Metabolic · Disulphide-rich peptide hormone
Hepcidin-25
Also known as Hepcidin; HAMP-derived mature peptide; LEAP-1
A 25-residue, disulphide-rich peptide that binds ferroportin and is used to investigate cellular iron export.
- Length
- 25 amino acids
- Half-life
- Not well characterised
- Mechanism
- Hepcidin-25 binds ferroportin, the SLC40A1-encoded cellular iron exporter, and can directly inhibit iron transport while promoting ferroportin internalisation and degradation. This interaction provides a molecular link between extracellular hepcidin and cellular iron retention.
- Studied in
- Ferroportin-expressing cells, macrophage cultures, intestinal models and genetically modified animals are used to study iron export, transporter trafficking and hepcidin regulation.
About Hepcidin-25
Hepcidin-25 is the principal mature bioactive product of the HAMP gene. The human precursor contains 84 amino acids and undergoes sequential processing to generate the 25-residue peptide. Eight cysteines form four intramolecular disulphide bonds, producing a compact structure with a functionally important N-terminus. Initially isolated around 2000 as an antimicrobial peptide, hepcidin was subsequently recognised as a central molecular regulator of iron movement through its interaction with the exporter ferroportin.
Ferroportin is a transporter rather than a conventional signalling receptor. Hepcidin binding can occlude its transport pathway and trigger ubiquitination, internalisation and lysosomal degradation, with the relative contribution of these events depending on assay conditions. Laboratory studies measure surface ferroportin, iron efflux and intracellular iron-responsive markers. Shorter naturally occurring forms, including hepcidin-20 and hepcidin-22, are structurally related but should not be assumed to reproduce the ferroportin-regulating activity of intact hepcidin-25.
Laboratory notes
- Verify native disulphide connectivity as well as molecular mass; the correct mass alone does not establish correct folding.
- Avoid reducing conditions in functional assays unless disruption of the disulphide framework is an intended experimental variable.
- Document ferroportin expression, iron-loading conditions and incubation time, since these influence trafficking and iron-efflux readouts.
Storage and reconstitution basics: storage guide.
Questions about Hepcidin-25
What is the direct molecular target of hepcidin-25?
Its established target is ferroportin, a membrane iron exporter encoded by SLC40A1. Ferroportin binding is distinct from activation of a classical hormone receptor.
Are hepcidin-20 and hepcidin-25 interchangeable?
No. N-terminal truncation substantially changes ferroportin-regulating activity, so truncated forms require separate characterisation and controls.
Which assays distinguish transport inhibition from transporter loss?
Short-interval iron-efflux measurements can be paired with surface labelling, microscopy or immunoblotting to distinguish altered transport from ferroportin internalisation and degradation.
Is Hepcidin-25 for human use?
No. It is supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and is not for human or animal consumption.
Related research peptides
All products are sold for laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, not a medicine, not for diagnosing, treating or preventing any condition.