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Intrinsic factor (IF (also known as GIF for Gastric Intrinsic Factor))
- Target
- IF (also known as GIF for Gastric Intrinsic Factor)
- Molecular classification
- Glycoprotein, Carrier protein, Other (does not fit classical receptor/enzyme/transporter families)
01
Overview
Intrinsic factor is a glycoprotein produced by gastric parietal cells (and by chief cells in some species). It binds dietary vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in the stomach after the vitamin is released from food proteins. The vitamin B12–intrinsic factor complex travels to the terminal ileum, where it binds to cubam receptors on enterocytes and is absorbed. This process is essential for vitamin B12 uptake, ultimately needed for DNA synthesis and erythrocyte maturation. Deficiency of intrinsic factor—caused by autoimmune destruction of parietal cells, gastric surgery, or genetic defects—results in pernicious anemia, a form of megaloblastic anemia with hematological and neurological consequences[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Intrinsic factor itself is not a therapeutic target, but its absence is a key biomarker for disease diagnosis and patient selection for lifelong vitamin B12 replacement.
- Other names
- Gastric intrinsic factorCobalamin binding intrinsic factorGIFCBLIF
02
Mechanism of action
Not applicable. Drugs do not target intrinsic factor directly. Therapies treat the downstream effects of intrinsic factor deficiency by providing vitamin B12 independent of intestinal absorption
03
Biological functions
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption and transportFacilitates receptor-mediated endocytosis of vitamin B12 at the ileum
04
Disease associations
Pernicious anemia (due to deficiency/lack of intrinsic factor)Vitamin B12 deficiency-related hematological and neurological disordersRisk factor for megaloblastic anemia
05
Safety considerations
Not applicable for intrinsic factor as a drug target. Clinical concerns arise from deficiency—pernicious anemia, neurologic deficits, and risk for complications such as heart failure or gastric cancer due to chronic B12 deficiency
06
Biomarkers
Intrinsic factor antibody (for diagnosis of pernicious anemia)Vitamin B12 levels (to monitor deficiency caused by intrinsic factor absence)
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