Hepcidin (Hepc, hepatic bactericidal protein) or LEAP (liver expressed antimicrobial peptide) is small, cysteine-rich peptide, antimicrobial peptide similar to defensins and thionins. Hepcidin (unprocessed, proprotein in mouse 83 aa, rat/human 84 aa) are almost exclusively produced in liver. Human hepcidin is produced from 84-aa precursor, including a putative 24-aa signal peptide. The secreted form of hepcidin in blood and urine is consists of C-terminal 20, 22 or 25-aa residues in humans and 25-aa in mouse. In humans, 20-aa and 25-aa appears to be the major HEPC secreted peptides with antimicrobial activities. The three secreted HEPC alternatively spliced HEPC peptides differ at the N-terminus.
Storage and Stability:May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage, store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
