HAMP

Hepcidin is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the HAMP is_associated_with::gene.

The product encoded by this gene is involved in the maintenance of iron homeostasis, and it is necessary for the regulation of iron storage in is_associated_with::macrophages, and for intestinal iron absorption. The preproprotein is post-translationally cleaved into mature peptides of 20, 22 and 25 amino acids, and these active peptides are rich in cysteines, which form intramolecular bonds that stabilize their is_associated_with::beta sheet structures. These peptides exhibit antimicrobial activity. Mutations in this gene cause hemochromatosis type 2B, also known as juvenile hemochromatosis, a disease caused by severe iron overload that results in is_associated_with::cardiomyopathy, is_associated_with::cirrhosis, and endocrine failure.