[Hepcidin: small molecule, large future]

Hepcidin in iron metabolism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hepcidin is a recently discovered hepatic peptide that regulates intestinal iron absorption as well as maternal-fetal iron transport across the placenta. It probably also affects the release of iron from hepatic stores and from macrophages involved in the recycling of iron from hemoglobin. Connecting iron metabolism to innate immunity, hepcidin is a key mediator of hypoferremia of inflammation.

RECENT FINDINGS

The essential role of hepcidin in iron metabolism is being elucidated through mouse and human genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology.

SUMMARY

Studies of hepcidin are leading to fundamental understanding of iron homeostasis and pointing to potential treatments for hemochromatosis and anemia of inflammation (anemia of chronic disease).