Hamp
Function
Liver-produced hormone that constitutes the main circulating regulator of iron absorption and distribution across tissues. Acts by promoting endocytosis and degradation of SLC40A1, leading to the retention of iron in iron-exporting cells and decreased flow of iron into plasma. Controls the major flows of iron into plasma: absorption of dietary iron in the intestine, recycling of iron by macrophages, which phagocytose old erythrocytes and other cells, and mobilization of stored iron from hepatocytes.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the hepcidin family.
Tissue Specificity
Highly expressed in the liver and to a much lesser extent in the heart. Secreted in blood (PubMed:15124018).
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
Hamp1, Hepc, Hepc1, Hamp, Hepcidin