Description
Ferritin heavy polypeptide 1(FTH1), is a ubiquitous intracellular protein which stores iron in a soluble, non-toxic, readily available form. FTH1 has ferroxidase activity and is important for iron homeostasis. Iron is takenup in the ferrous form and deposited as ferric hydroxides after oxidation. Ferritin is composed of 24 subunits ofthe light and heavy ferritin chains. It plays a role in delivery of iron to cells and mediates iron uptake in capsulecells of the developing kidney. Variation of ferritin subunit composition may affect iron absorption and releasein different tissues. Deficiency of ferritin proteins may cause several neurodegenerative diseases. Almost allliving organisms can produce this protein, including algae, bacteria, higher plants, and animals.