Hamp

SECTIONS

1 - Function
2 - Involvement in disease
3 - Sequence similarities
4 - Tissue specificity
5 - Cellular localization
6 - Alternative names
7 - Database links
8 - Target type
9 - Primary research area
10 - Molecular weight

Function

Liver-produced hormone that constitutes the main circulating regulator of iron absorption and distribution across tissues. Acts by promoting endocytosis and degradation of ferroportin/SLC40A1, leading to the retention of iron in iron-exporting cells and decreased flow of iron into plasma (PubMed:22682227, PubMed:29237594, PubMed:32814342). 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 (PubMed:22306005).

Has strong antimicrobial activity against E.coli ML35P N.cinerea and weaker against S.epidermidis, S.aureus and group b streptococcus bacteria. Active against the fungus C.albicans. No activity against P.aeruginosa (PubMed:11034317, PubMed:11113131).

Involvement in disease

Hemochromatosis 2B

HFE2B

A juvenile form of hemochromatosis, a disorder of iron metabolism with excess deposition of iron in a variety of organs leading to their failure, bronze skin pigmentation, hepatic cirrhosis, arthropathy and diabetes. The most common symptoms of juvenile hemochromatosis at presentation are hypogonadism and cardiomyopathy.

None

The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the hepcidin family.

Tissue specificity

Highest expression in liver and to a lesser extent in heart and brain. Low levels in lung, tonsils, salivary gland, trachea, prostate gland, adrenal gland and thyroid gland. Secreted into the urine and blood (PubMed:11034317). Expressed by hepatocytes (PubMed:15124018).