Binds to folate and reduced folic acid derivatives and mediates delivery of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate and folate analogs into the interior of cells (  , ). Has high affinity for folate and folic acid analogs at neutral pH (  ). Exposure to slightly acidic pH after receptor endocytosis triggers a conformation change that strongly reduces its affinity for folates and mediates their release . Required for normal embryonic development and normal cell proliferation (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cell membrane, Apical cell membrane, Basolateral cell membrane, Secreted, Cytoplasmic vesicle, Cytoplasmic vesicle, Clathrin-coated vesicle, Endosome
Endocytosed into cytoplasmic vesicles and then recycled to the cell membrane.
Primarily expressed in tissues of epithelial origin. Expression is increased in malignant tissues. Expressed in kidney, lung and cerebellum. Detected in placenta and thymus epithelium.