Native Rat Hemopexin protein

Supplementary information

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

Hemopexin also known as HPX is a glycoprotein that transports heme in the blood. It has a molecular weight of approximately 57 kDa and is primarily expressed in the liver. Hemopexin binds to free heme with high affinity which prevents oxidative damage and conserves iron. It transports the heme to hepatocytes for breakdown and recycling protecting cells from iron-mediated toxicity and oxidative stress.

Biological function summary

The hemopexin function relates to protecting tissues from the harmful effects of free heme. Hemopexin does not work as part of a complex in this process but mainly acts independently. Its high binding affinity plays an important role in maintaining heme homeostasis in the plasma and tissues. By controlling heme levels hemopexin supports overall cellular health and function.

Pathways

The hemopexin molecular weight allows it to fit effectively within the heme metabolism and iron recycling pathways. This protein plays a significant role by delivering heme to the liver and facilitating its degradation by heme oxygenase. Hemopexin interacts closely with heme oxygenase and albumin two proteins important for the management of heme and iron levels in the body.

Several hemopexin functions contribute to the understanding of conditions such as hemolytic anemia and acute liver injury. In hemolytic anemia hemopexin helps mitigate the effects of increased heme levels due to excessive red blood cell breakdown. In the context of liver injury the protein assists in the detoxification process and supports hepatic function. Hemopexin-related proteins such as heme oxygenase link these diseases to hemopexin by their roles in managing oxidative stress and heme catabolism.