Ferritin: an iron storage protein with diverse functions

Ferritin is the major protein for iron storage and iron detoxification. Since non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, beryllium and zinc, are bound both in vivo and in vitro, ferritin is implicated as a general metal ion donor and detoxicant. The role of ferritin in Al and Be toxicity is discussed. During iron release ferritin produces free radicals which are involved in phosphoprotein inactivation, lipid peroxidation and, possibly, the general aging process. Conversely, during iron loading oxidative energy in the form of electrons and protons is given off. The different subunit compositions of ferritin, termed isoferritins, are, at least in part, involved with the multifunctionality of this protein.