FOLR1

FOLR1 (Folate Receptor 1) is an adult folate receptor, also known as Folate Binding Protein (FBP), encoded by the FOLR1 gene. This membrane-associated glycoprotein has a high affinity for folate and several reduced folate derivatives, with its primary function being the intracellular transport of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is essential for cell growth and proliferation. The structure of FOLR1 includes a transmembrane domain and exists in both membrane-bound and soluble forms. In addition to its fundamental role in folate transport, FOLR1 is also involved in multiple signaling pathways, including the JAK-STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways, and may act as a transcription factor involved in the regulation of gene expression. FOLR1 plays a role in the Wnt and ERK signaling pathways by increasing the expression of active β-catenin, phosphorylated ERK, and genes regulated by Wnt and ERK. Furthermore, FOLR1 may also be involved in the Wnt and TGFβ signaling pathways. The abnormal expression of FOLR1 is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of various cancers, and its high expression in tumor cells is usually related to accelerated cancer progression and poor patient prognosis. Therefore, FOLR1 is not only a potential target in cancer treatment research but also holds significant promise in the field of folate receptor-targeted therapy.