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.
Human DTHFP ICIFC CGCCH RSKCG MCCKT (25-aa)
ICIFC CGCCH RSKCG MCCKT (20-aa)
Mouse DTNFP ICIFC CKCCN NSQCG ICCKT (25 aa)
4 cys-Cys bridges
The link between hepcidins and iron metabolism is that hepcidin expression is abolished in mice exhibiting iron-overload due to the targeted disruption of USF2 (upstream stimulatory factor 2) gene resembling the situation in hfe-/- mice. The human gene is located at chromosome 19, in close proximity with Usf2 gene. Hepcidin levels are increased in iron loading and in beta-2 microglobulin knockout mice. Hepcidins are devoid of IRE. Like other antimicrobial peptides, hepcidin is up-regulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).
Source:Human and mouse HEPC (20 and 25-aa, sequence given above) were synthesized. Cysteines were air-oxidized assuming that they will assume natural cys-cys bridging. We do not know the order of Cys-Cys bridges. Mol. Wt: 2763-human HEPC 25 aa
Applications:Suitable for use in ELISA. Other applications not tested.
Recommended Dilution:Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
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.
