Ferritin Human, FTL

Ferritin is a crucial iron-storage protein found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It plays a vital role in maintaining iron homeostasis within cells. Ferritin is composed of 24 subunits, which can be either heavy (H) or light (L) chains. The light chain of ferritin (FTL) is particularly significant due to its role in iron storage and detoxification.

Ferritin is a heteropolymer consisting of 24 subunits arranged in a spherical structure. The light chain (L-chain) and heavy chain (H-chain) subunits can vary in ratio, depending on the tissue type and physiological conditions. The L-chain is responsible for the nucleation and storage of iron in its ferric form (Fe^3+), while the H-chain catalyzes the oxidation of ferrous iron (Fe^2+) to ferric iron (Fe^3+) .

The recombinant human ferritin light chain (HuLF) is produced using recombinant DNA technology, typically expressed in systems such as Escherichia coli. This allows for the production of large quantities of the protein for research and therapeutic purposes .

The primary function of the ferritin light chain is to store iron and regulate its release in a controlled manner. Iron is essential for various cellular processes, including oxygen transport, DNA synthesis, and electron transport. However, excess free iron can generate harmful free radicals through the Fenton reaction, leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage. Ferritin mitigates this risk by sequestering iron within its hollow spherical structure .

Ferritin light chain plays a critical role in iron homeostasis and has been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes. It is involved in:

• Iron Detoxification: By storing excess iron, ferritin prevents the formation of toxic free radicals.
• Iron Transport: Ferritin releases iron in a controlled manner, ensuring a steady supply for cellular processes.
• Neurodevelopment: Iron is crucial for the development of neurons and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Ferritin light chain helps regulate iron availability during neurodevelopment .

Mutations in the FTL gene, which encodes the ferritin light chain, can lead to disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases and hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome. These conditions are often associated with oxidative stress caused by iron radicals .

Recombinant human ferritin light chain is used in research to study iron metabolism and related diseases. It also has potential therapeutic applications in treating conditions associated with iron overload or deficiency .