Ferritin is a ubiquitous intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. The protein is produced by almost all living organisms, including bacteria, algae and higher plants, and animals. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload. Ferritin is a globular protein complex consisting of 24 protein subunits and is the primary intracellular iron-storage protein in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, keeping iron in a soluble and non-toxic form. Ferritin that is not combined with iron is called apoferritin. Description: Human liver. Alternative Names: FTH protein, Ferritin H subunit protein, Ferritin heavy polypeptide 1 protein, Ferritin light chain like protein, Ferritin light polypeptide protein, Ferritin heavy chain like protein, Ferritin L subunit protein, Ferritin heavy polypeptide protein