Ferritin, Light Chain (FTL) (Microglia Marker)

Mammalian ferritins consist of 24 subunits made up of 2 types of polypeptide chains, ferritin heavy chain and ferritin light chain. Ferritin heavy chains catalyze the first step in iron storage, the oxidation of Fe (II), whereas ferritin light chains promote the nucleation of ferrihydrite, enabling storage of Fe (III). Light chain ferritin is involved in cataracts by at least two mechanisms, hereditary hyperferritinemia cataract syndrome, in which light chain ferritin is overexpressed, and oxidative stress, an important factor in the development of ageing-related cataracts.