Hepcidins in amphibians and fishes: antimicrobial peptides or iron-regulatory hormones?
J Shi, AC Camus - Developmental & Comparative Immunology, 2006 - Elsevier
Hepcidin, originally identified as a 25 amino acid peptide antibiotic produced in the liver, is a
key regulator of iron balance and recycling in humans and mice. Closely related hepcidin
genes and peptides also have been identified in other mammals, amphibians, and a number
of fish species. We hypothesize that hepcidin, the iron-regulatory hormone in humans, may
have evolved from an antimicrobial peptide in fishes. In this review we will highlight the
evidence that indicates hepcidin evolved from an antimicrobial peptide to an iron-regulatory …
key regulator of iron balance and recycling in humans and mice. Closely related hepcidin
genes and peptides also have been identified in other mammals, amphibians, and a number
of fish species. We hypothesize that hepcidin, the iron-regulatory hormone in humans, may
have evolved from an antimicrobial peptide in fishes. In this review we will highlight the
evidence that indicates hepcidin evolved from an antimicrobial peptide to an iron-regulatory …