Abstract
Ferritin, an iron binding protein, is an essential element in biological systems. Study of the two main subunits of ferritin; i.e.,
the heavy chain (FtH) subunit and ferritin light chain (FtL) subunit, has provided new insights into living organisms and
improved the efficacy of ferroxidase activity. In this study, ferritin genes were identified in 24 organisms, including
microbes, plants and animals. Mammalian ferritin genes exhibited the highest numbers and were found in clusters on X
chromosomes considering duplication might have occurred. In addition, ferritin genes contained FtH subunits have different
distribution compared with FtL subunits in mammalian. A phylogenetic tree was constructed according to the nucleotide
coding sequences and 7 groups were classified. Fast gene loss and duplication were discovered. Investigation of conserved
motif in different groups implies diverse evolution. Remarkably, the copy numbers of ferritin heavy polypeptide-like 17
homologs in mammalian were strongly related to the offspring number.
