Mouse Hepcidin ELISA Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Hepcidin also known as Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide (LEAP) or HEPC is an important regulator of iron homeostasis functioning as a hormone. It consists of a small peptide typically around 25 amino acids in length with a molecular mass of approximately 2.8 kDa. Hepcidin is produced predominantly in the liver and is secreted into the bloodstream where it directly binds to the iron export protein ferroportin. This binding induces ferroportin's internalization and degradation effectively restricting iron release into the circulation and controlling systemic iron levels.

Biological function summary

This hormone plays a critical role in maintaining iron balance within the body by regulating both the absorption of dietary iron in the intestine and the release of stored iron from macrophages and hepatocytes. Hepcidin operates independently and is not part of any larger complex. Its levels fluctuate in response to various stimuli including iron levels inflammation and erythropoietic demand impacting iron transport and storage.

Pathways

Hepcidin is integral to the iron metabolism pathway. It interacts intricately with proteins such as transferrin and ferritin which are involved in iron transport and storage. Hepcidin's function is modulated by the BMP/SMAD signaling pathway as well where its expression is promoted by these signaling proteins. This regulation ensures that iron levels are properly maintained for critical processes such as hemoglobin synthesis and cellular respiration.

Associated diseases and disorders

Hepcidin is connected to conditions such as anemia of chronic disease and hereditary hemochromatosis. In anemia of chronic disease increased hepcidin levels lead to iron sequestration and restricted availability which contributes to the anemic state. In hereditary hemochromatosis mutations can result in decreased hepcidin activity causing excessive iron accumulation in the body. Through these mechanisms hepcidin's interactions with proteins such as ferroportin and transferrin receptor 2 influence the development and progression of these iron-related disorders.