Understanding the role Ferritin plays in maintaining Iron Balance
Iron is an essential element in all biological systems and like any other element a deficiency or an overload will pose detrimental effects. Previous studies have shown that man is the only mammal that has difficulties maintaining iron balance. To better understand the function of this element, an important protein that stores iron, called Ferritin, has been chosen for study. Iron deficiency occurs in man when the amounts absorbed from the diet are insufficient to meet normal requirements. On the other hand of the spectrum, iron overload leads to a condition known as hemochromatosis. As Biochemistry major, I am interested in studying the properties, functions and the diseases of iron and the storage protein Ferritin, which will equip us with a better understanding of disease mechanisms and help us develop potential cures for them.