The FTL gene provides instructions for making the ferritin light chain, which is one part (subunit) of a protein called ferritin. Ferritin is made up of 24 subunits formed into a hollow spherical molecule. The 24 subunits consist of varying numbers of the ferritin light chain and another subunit called the ferritin heavy chain, which is produced from another gene. The proportion of the two subunits varies in different tissues.
Ferritin stores and releases iron in cells. Each ferritin molecule can hold as many as 4,500 iron atoms inside its spherical structure. This storage capacity allows ferritin to regulate the amount of iron in cells and tissues. Iron is needed for the body to produce red blood cells.
Other Names
ferritin L subunit; ferritin L-chain; ferritin light polypeptide-like 3; ferritin, light polypeptide; FRIL_HUMAN; L apoferritin; MGC71996; NBIA3
Related Genetics Topics
- Neuroferritinopathy — MedlinePlus Genetics
- Hyperferritinemia-cataract syndrome — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2512
- OMIM: 134790
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
