Transferrin variants in Japan and New Zealand. Report of an unusually sialyzed TF variant.

The genetic polymorphism of transferrin (TF) was studied in 2,167 Japanese individuals and in 448 New Zealanders. The three TF C subtypes were identified, but TF C3 was absent from Japanese populations. In addition, three TF B and six TF D variants were observed, each of which occurred either in Japanese or in New Zealanders. Stepwise removal of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (NANA) with neuraminidase revealed that the most cathodal variant TF DShinnanyo found in a Japanese family was characterized by having only two NANA residues.