Ferritin Mineral Core Composition in Health and Disease

Abstract

Iron (Fe) is an essential metal involved in a wide spectrum of physiological functions, including oxygen transport and enzymatic reactions. Maintenance of iron homeostasis is regulated in part by iron confinement, mineral composition and its oxidation state. Ferritin is the major iron storage protein found in mammalian tissues comprising of a nanoscale iron core with up to 4500 iron atoms in the form of ferrihydrite. Fe oxidation state and composition of the ferritin core can govern its ferroxidase activity and thus the storage and transport of iron in health and disease.