Abstract
As the major iron storage protein, ferritin has been linked with iron metabolism for many years. However, recent studies have discovered new functions for this protein. Our current review summarizes new findings suggesting the link between ferritin and many pathways related with cancer, such as cell proliferation, growth suppressor evasion, cell death inhibition, immortalization, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, and immunomodification. Most of the evidence revealed suggested that elevated ferritin in cancer cells may be related with cancer progression, resistance to therapies, or poor prognosis. By either directly or indirectly participating in cancer related pathways, ferritin proposes itself as a promising target for cancer therapy. Ongoing and prospective preclinical and clinical research will further explore this new strategy that is currently underappreciated. Conclusion: Ferritin is proving to be a much more versatile protein than simply iron storage. It may have signaling properties and reporter properties for some cancers. Data are mounting that ferritin may be a promising target in cancer therapy.
Highlights
As the major iron storage protein, ferritin has been linked with iron metabolism for many years
Data are mounting that ferritin may be a promising target in cancer therapy
Despite its role as a co-factor in such biochemical activities, excessive iron can be toxic by generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction
Summary
Ferritin is proving to be a much more versatile protein than iron storage. It may have signaling properties and reporter properties for some cancers. Despite its role as a co-factor in such biochemical activities, excessive iron can be toxic by generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction. A new gene product exhibiting high homology with ferritin was discovered in mitochondria, which is a homopolymer of 24 subunits and regulates mitochondrial iron homeostasis [14]. The crucial role of iron in mitochondria oxidative homeostasis has greatly highlighted the importance of the function of mitochondrial ferritin in cell metabolism. Unlike H- and L-ferritin, mitochondrial ferritin has both ferroxidase (though with a slower rate) and iron binding activity [15] It is highly expressed in the testes and erythrocytes and is expressed at a lower level in other cells [16]. Despite the above findings about the functions of mitochondrial ferritin, less is known about its role in cancer
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
