← Genes & pathways

Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

FOLR1

FOLR1 encodes folate receptor alpha, which helps cells take up folate and has an important role in folate transport at the brain’s barriers. Blood folate and folate availability in the nervous system are not identical measurements.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Folate transport has tissue-specific roles

Folate transport has tissue-specific roles

FOLR1 encodes folate receptor alpha, which helps cells take up folate and has an important role in folate transport at the brain’s barriers. Blood folate and folate availability in the nervous system are not identical measurements.

Putting the pieces together

Dr. Purser brings FOLR1 into discussions of folate form and neurological context. Rare pathogenic FOLR1 disorders are different from the common markers in a wellness panel. A marker alone does not establish cerebral folate deficiency or select folinic-acid treatment; a neurological concern needs its own assessment.

A question to bring to your visit

What finding makes folate transport relevant to my symptoms, beyond the presence of a SNP?

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

Names you may see

Folate Receptor 1