HAMP (hepcidin antimicrobial peptide) is a human gene that instructs cells to manufacture a small protein called hepcidin, which was originally identified as having antimicrobial properties. Researchers recently discovered that hepcidin plays a role in maintaining iron balance in humans. It is currently believed that in normal situations, hepcidin in the blood inhibits iron absorption by the small intestine in response to increased stores of iron in the body. Researchers have proposed that hepcidin production in the liver increases when iron bound to a transport protein called transferrin is taken into liver cells by transferrin receptors. Hepcidin is then released into the bloodstream and probably interacts with other proteins, including the HFE or hemochromatosis protein, to adjust the iron-absorbing capacity of these cells. In this way, iron stores are sensed and iron absorption is adjusted to reflect the needs of the person's body.

The HAMP gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 19 at position 13.1, from base pair 40,465,282 to base pair 40,467,882.

Related conditions

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Hemochromatosis, type 2: Mutations in the HAMP gene can result in a nonfunctional hepcidin protein. Individuals who inherit mutations in the HAMP gene are affected by a severe type of juvenile hemochromatosis. Symptoms of this form of hemochromatosis are exhibited earlier than symptoms of the more common type 1 hemochromatosis. Persons with mutations in HAMP are unable to inhibit iron absorption and thus become overloaded with iron in the body, which can lead to organ damage.

See also

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• Chromosome 19
• Hemochromatosis
• Hepcidin
• Human iron metabolism

References

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• [http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/98/15/8160 Full text
• [http://www.jbc.org/cgi/content/full/277/40/37597 Full text
• ''Full text]

External links

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• GeneCard

Genes