FTH1 (ferritin, heavy polypeptide 1) is the heavy subunit of ferritin which is the major intracellular iron storage protein in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It is composed of 24 subunits of the heavy and light ferritin chains. Variation in ferritin subunit composition may affect the rates of iron uptake and release in different tissues. A major function of ferritin is the storage of iron in a soluble and nontoxic state. Defects in ferritin proteins are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. FTH1 gene has multiple pseudogenes. Several alternatively spliced transcript variants have been observed, but their biological validity has not been determined. FTH1 stores iron in a soluble, non-toxic, readily available form. It is important for iron homeostasis. It has ferroxidase activity. Iron is taken up in the ferrous form and deposited as ferric hydroxides after oxidation. It also plays a role in delivery of iron to cells. FTH1 mediates iron uptake in capsule cells of the developing kidney.

Ferritin heavy polypeptide 1(FTH1), is a ubiquitous intracellular protein which stores iron in a soluble, non-toxic, readily available form. FTH1 has ferroxidase activity and is important for iron homeostasis. Iron is taken up in the ferrous form and deposited as ferric hydroxides after oxidation. Ferritin is composed of 24 subunits of the light and heavy ferritin chains. It plays a role in delivery of iron to cells and mediates iron uptake in capsule cells of the developing kidney. Variation of ferritin subunit composition may affect iron absorption and release in different tissues. Deficiency of ferritin proteins may cause several neurodegenerative diseases. Almost all living organisms can produce this protein, including algae, bacteria, higher plants, and animals.