The Biochemistry of Ferritin 215 



a homeostatic mechanism which can perform useful biological work. 

 These findings also point to the fact that proteins which are usually 

 thought of as relatively inert storage compounds may have wider 

 physiological function. In the present case, all three activities are 

 based on the peculiar ability of ferritin to carry iron in a variety of 

 ways. 



This paper has presented some biochemical aspects of a broader 

 study being carried out under the direction of Dr. Ephraim Shorr at 

 Cornell University Medical College and the New York Hospital. Cur- 

 rent contributors to this work are Drs. Silvio Baez and Saul Green. 

 It has been aided by grants from The Josiah Macy, Jr., Foundation, 

 Eli Lilly & Co., The National Institutes of Health, U. S. Public Health 

 Service (Grant H-79), The Armour Laboratories, The Office of the 

 Surgeon General, Department of the Army (Contract DA-49-007-MD- 

 388), and The Postley Fund. 



References 



1. S. Granick, J. Biol Chem., 164, 737 (1946). 



2. A. Mazur and E. Shorr, /. Biol. Chem., 182, 607 (1950). 



3. S. Granick, and L. Michaelis, J. Biol. Chem., 147, 91 (1943). 



4. V. Laufberger, Bull. soc. chim. biol., 19, 1575 (1937). 



5. L. Michaelis, C. D. Coryell, and S. Granick, J. Biol. Chem., 14S, 463 (1943). 



6. A. Rothen, J. Biol. Chem., 152, 679 (1944). 



7. A. Mazur and E. Shorr, J. Biol. Chem., 176, 771 (1948). 



8. J. L. Farrant, Biochim. et Biophys. Acta, 13, 569 (1954). 



9. A. Mazur, I. Litt, and E. Shorr, /. Biol. Chem., 187, 473 (1950). 



10. B. W. Zweifach, in V. R. Potter, Methods in Medical Research, I, p. 131, 

 The Year Book Publishers, Chicago, 1948. 



11. S. Baez. A. Mazur, and E. Shorr, Am. J. Physiol, 162, 198 (1950). 



12. S. Granick, Chem. Revs., 88, 379 (1946). 



13. C. B. Laurell, Acta Physiol Scand., 14, suppl. 46, 1 (1947). 



14. S. Granick, Federation Proc, 13, 219 (1954). 



15. J. Walker, and E. P. N. Turnbull, Lancet, 265, 312 (1953). 



16. J. M. Nelson and C. R. Dawson, Advances in Enzymol, 4, 99 (1944). 



