background:
This gene encodes the heavy subunit of ferritin, the major intracellular iron storage protein in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is composed of 24 subunits of the heavy and light ferritin chains. Variation in ferritin subunit composition may affect the rates of iron uptake and release in different tissues. A major function of ferritin is the storage of iron in a soluble and nontoxic state. Defects in ferritin proteins are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. This gene has multiple pseudogenes. Several alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed, but their biological validity has not been determined. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Function:
Stores iron in a soluble, non-toxic, readily available form. Important for iron homeostasis. Has ferroxidase activity. Iron is taken up in the ferrous form and deposited as ferric hydroxides after oxidation. Also plays a role in delivery of iron to cells. Mediates iron uptake in capsule cells of the developing kidney.
Subunit:
Oligomer of 24 subunits. There are two types of subunits: L (light) chain and H (heavy) chain. The major chain can be light or heavy, depending on the species and tissue type. The functional molecule forms a roughly spherical shell with a diameter of 12 nm and contains a central cavity into which the insoluble mineral iron core is deposited.
Subcellular Location:
Cytoplasmic.
Tissue Specificity:
In human liver the heavy chain is the major chain.
Similarity:
Belongs to the ferritin family.
Contains 1 ferritin-like diiron domain.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 654516 Cat
Entrez Gene: 10049996 Dog
Entrez Gene: 403631 Dog
Entrez Gene: 2495 Human
Entrez Gene: 14319 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 100173063 Orangutan
Omim: 134770 Human
SwissProt: Q2MHN2 Cat
SwissProt: Q95MP7 Dog
SwissProt: P02794 Human
SwissProt: P09528 Mouse
SwissProt: Q5R8J7 Orangutan
Unigene: 524910 Human
Unigene: 645560 Human
Unigene: 1776 Mouse
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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