TFRC and infection: Since the reduction of LIP upon UPEC infection was much greater in Rab35 and TfR1 silenced cells at 24 h than in infected control cells, we reasoned that UPEC is dependent on Rab35 and TfR1 to actively acquire iron from the extracellular milieu to replenish intracellular iron levels for its survival at later stages (24 h) of infection.