Role of Ferritin in Cancer Biology

As the most abundant transition metal element in our body, iron is ubiquitously distributed and widely involved in various physiological processes, such as oxygen transport, energy metabolism, electron transport, cell cycle regulation, and DNA synthesis [1-3]. Despite its role as a co-factor in such biochemical activities, excessive iron can be toxic by generating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction. This reaction converts less stable ferrous ions into the ferric form, while consuming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) [4]. The main byproducts of this reaction are hydroxyl radicals (•OH), the most reactive species in biological systems that are capable of inducing intracellular oxidative damage. Thus, excessive iron accumulation is considered a major risk factor of cell damage and tight regulation of iron metabolism is required to maintain cellular homeostasis and viability [2].