Specific Proteins - Ferritin
Ferritin is an iron storage protein. It is the primary iron storage mechanism and is critical to iron homeostasis. As an iron store, ferritin has two roles.
- Provides a reserve of iron, which can be transported for the synthesis of molecules such as cytochromes, haemoglobin and iron-sulphur compounds.
- Safe-guards cells, DNA, lipids and proteins from the potential toxic effects of iron.
Ferritin is a vital component of iron homeostasis. It acts as as a ferroxidase, converting Fe(II) to Fe(III) as iron is internalised and sequestered in the ferritin mineral core. Iron is toxic in cellular systems due to its capacity to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) which directly damages cells, DNA, lipids and proteins.
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Specific Proteins
- Randox
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Ferritin
