ausferriting

Ausferritin is a protein found in the blood plasma of humans and other mammals. It is a member of the ferritin family, which includes other proteins like ferritin and hephaestin. Ausferritin plays a crucial role in iron metabolism, acting as a storage protein for iron. It is synthesized in the liver and is primarily found in the bloodstream, where it helps regulate the levels of free iron.

The structure of ausferritin consists of two polypeptide chains, each forming a shell around a core of iron hydroxide. This unique structure allows ausferritin to store and release iron as needed. The protein is composed of 24 subunits, with each subunit containing a single iron-storage site. Ausferritin can store up to 4,500 atoms of iron, making it one of the most efficient iron-storage proteins known.

Ausferritin is involved in various physiological processes, including erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells, and the maintenance of iron homeostasis. It helps regulate the levels of free iron in the blood, preventing the formation of harmful reactive oxygen species and ensuring that iron is available for essential biological processes. Ausferritin also plays a role in the immune response, as it can be released from cells in response to inflammation and infection.

In summary, ausferritin is a vital protein in iron metabolism, playing a key role in the storage and regulation of iron levels in the body. Its unique structure and function make it an essential component of the body's iron homeostasis system.