Ferritin protein nanocages-the story.

ABSTRACT: Ferritins are a family of large (10-12 nm diameter), self-assembled, protein cages that reversibly synthesize Fe₂O₃•H₂O with up to 4500 iron atoms in a central cavity, 65 or 270 nm³; the protein cages without mineral are sometimes called apoferritin. Fe₂O₃•H₂O synthesis depends on controlled Fe²⁺ entry though four or eight ion channels, directed transport to multiple Fe²⁺/O oxidoreductase ("ferroxidase") sites and, in the case of eukaryotic ferritins, guided nucleation and extrusion through channels connecting the active sites to the mineral growth cavity; passage of the diferric oxo catalytic products through the nucleation/extrusion channels allows the eukaryotic ferritin protein cage to in

SUBMITTER: Theil EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3816979 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature