Ferritin (Horse spleen) (Apoferritin)

Horse spleen apoferritin is the iron-free protein shell of ferritin derived from the spleen of the horse (Equus caballus) [1]. It is a highly symmetrical macromolecule composed of 24 subunits that self-assemble into a hollow nanocage with an outer diameter of approximately 12 nm and an inner cavity of 8 nm [1, 4]. The primary biological function of the ferritin complex is the sequestration, oxidation, and storage of iron, which prevents the formation of toxic reactive oxygen species and maintains cellular iron homeostasis [2, 4]. In the field of biotechnology and pharmacology, horse spleen apoferritin is extensively used as a model system for studying protein mineralization and as a versatile scaffold for drug delivery [3]. Its unique cage structure allows for the encapsulation of various therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutic drugs or imaging contrast agents, which can then be delivered to specific tissues via ferritin receptors like TfR1 [3]. While not a primary therapeutic target for drug inhibition, it serves as a critical biomarker for iron stores and a foundational tool in nanomedicine research [2, 4].

Other names

Horse spleen apoferritinHoSFFerritin shellFerritin nanocageApoferritin (Equus caballus)

Iron sequestration and mineralization within the protein cavity [2, 4]; Encapsulation and pH-dependent release of therapeutic payloads for targeted delivery [3].