anti-Ferritin H-chain, mAb (3F8)

Ferritin is a ubiquitous and highly conserved protein which plays a major role in iron homeostasis. It is a holoenzyme shell (~450 kDa) consisting of 24 subunits of two types, H (heavy) and L (light), and capable of storing up to 4,500 atoms of ferric iron. Depending on the tissue type and physiologic status of the cell, the ratio of H to L subunits in ferritin can vary widely. It can be viewed not only as part of a group of iron regulatory proteins that include transferrin and the transferrin receptor, but also as a member of the protein family that orchestrates the cellular defense against stress and inflammation. Ferritin is found in the liver, spleen, kidney and heart. Only a small amount is found in the blood. The blood level of ferritin serves as an indicator of the amount of iron stored in the body. 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