Hepcidin Antimicrobial Peptide (HAMP)

Hepcidin, also known as the hepcidin antimicrobial peptide (HAMP), is a small cysteine-rich peptide hormone primarily produced in the liver. It plays a central role in regulating systemic iron homeostasis by binding to ferroportin, an iron exporter, and inducing its degradation. Hepcidin also exhibits antimicrobial activity by directly disrupting bacterial membranes. Its expression is regulated by iron levels, inflammation, and hypoxia, making it a key factor in both iron metabolism and the immune response. Dysregulation leads to disorders such as hereditary hemochromatosis or anemia of chronic disease/inflammation.

Other names

LEAP-1

Binds to ferroportin, leading to its internalization and degradation, thereby reducing iron efflux into plasma; Disrupts bacterial membrane integrity.