FOLR1 also known as, Folate receptor alpha, FRα is a member of the folate receptor family. Members of this gene family bind folic acid and its reduced derivatives, and transport 5-methyltetrahydrofolate into cells. FOLR1 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored cell-surface protein that binds folic acid and reduced folates with high affinity to support cellular folate uptake. By regulating intracellular folate availability, α-FR influences one-carbon metabolism required for thymidylate and purine biosynthesis, methylation reactions, and nucleotide-dependent DNA replication and repair. FOLR1 expression is developmentally regulated in epithelial tissues and contributes to polarized transport and folate homeostasis.