Ferritin Iron Mineralization and Storage: From Structure to Function

Noam Aronovitz, Michal Neeman, Raz Zarivach

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ferritins are protein nanocages with a defined size and shape. They are conserved in all kingdom of life. Ferritins serve as iron storage cage and as protection component against reactive oxygen species generated by the Fenton reaction. These abilities are achieved by the ferritin ability to import iron ions into its core and to convert them into a ferrihydrite mineral as the amorphous iron mineral storage. Using these abilities ferritins become an important tool in biotechnology and materials sciences. Here we will discuss the structure-function relationships of ferritins and their use in biotechnology. We will compare the structure and function of ferritin subunits from several kingdoms and discuss their mode of actions. Moreover, we provide here the basic protocols for the purification of ferritin cages and provide insights into the formation of magnetoferritins.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIron Oxides
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Nature to Applications
Publisherwiley
Pages117-141
Number of pages25
ISBN (Electronic)9783527691395
ISBN (Print)9783527338825
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Apr 2016

Keywords

  • Ferrihydrite
  • Ferritins
  • Magnetite
  • Magnetoferritins
  • Protein nanocage
  • Structure-function relationship

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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