Ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1)

Ferritin heavy chain 1 is a subunit of the ferritin complex, the primary intracellular iron storage protein in humans and other species. It possesses ferroxidase activity, enabling the oxidation of Fe²⁺ (ferrous) to Fe³⁺ (ferric) iron, which is subsequently stored inside the ferritin shell in a non-toxic and bioavailable form. The FTH1 gene is located on chromosome 11, and mutations can cause diseases such as Hemochromatosis type 5 and are implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. FTH1 is essential for cellular and organismal iron homeostasis, protection from iron-driven oxidative stress, regulation of ferroptosis (an iron-dependent cell death pathway), and has roles in immune response and cell proliferation. Clinically, serum ferritin (total, not just heavy chain) is used as a biomarker for iron stores, but levels can be elevated in inflammation and malignancy independent of iron load.

Other names

Ferritin heavy chainFerritin H subunitFTHFTHL6Cell proliferation-inducing gene 15 protein

Iron chelators: Reduce ferritin iron load, indirectly affect FTH1 function. Small molecules (investigational): May target ferritin to induce degradation or modulate iron release for anti-cancer or neuroprotective effects