HFERRITIN Meaning and
Definition
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HFerritin is a type of ferritin protein that is primarily found in humans. It acts as a crucial storage protein for iron in the body. Ferritins are globular proteins that form a spherical shell-like structure and consist of 24 subunits. These subunits can be composed of different ratios of two types: H-type and L-type.
HFerritin, specifically the H-type subunit, is responsible for the storage and transportation of iron. It possesses a ferroxidase activity, meaning it can convert Fe2+ (ferrous iron) to Fe3+ (ferric iron), which is essential for its storage. This conversion prevents the generation of reactive oxygen species through the Fenton reaction, a process involving the reaction between iron and hydrogen peroxide.
The role of HFerritin is particularly important in maintaining iron balance within the body. It aids in iron absorption, storage in tissues, and release when needed. HFerritin is found in various tissues, including the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and placenta, where iron demand is high or iron sequestration is vital.
Alterations in HFerritin levels or function can lead to iron overload or iron deficiency disorders. Abnormalities in HFerritin regulation can also be associated with certain diseases, such as hereditary hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome (HHCS) and hemochromatosis. Understanding the function and regulation of HFerritin is critical in addressing iron-related disorders and developing potential therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for HFERRITIN
- ferritin
- gferritin
- bferritin
- nferritin
- jferritin
- uferritin
- yferritin
- hderritin
- hcerritin
- hverritin
- hgerritin
- hterritin
- hrerritin
- hfwrritin
- hfsrritin
- hfdrritin
- hfrrritin
- hf4rritin
- hf3rritin
- hfeeritin
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