This gene encodes a cell surface receptor necessary for cellular iron uptake by the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis. This receptor is required for erythropoiesis and neurologic development. Multiple alternatively spliced variants have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015] see less This gene encodes a cell surface receptor necessary for cellular iron uptake by the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis. This receptor is required for erythropoiesis and neurologic development. Multiple alternatively spliced variants have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2015]