Liver-produced hormone that constitutes the main circulating regulator of iron absorption and distribution across tissues. Acts by promoting endocytosis and degradation of ferroportin/SLC40A1, leading to the retention of iron in iron-exporting cells and decreased flow of iron into plasma (PubMed:22682227, PubMed:29237594, PubMed:32814342). Controls the major flows of iron into plasma: absorption of dietary iron in the intestine, recycling of iron by macrophages, which phagocytose old erythrocytes and other cells, and mobilization of stored iron from hepatocytes (PubMed:22306005). Has strong antimicrobial activity against E.coli ML35P N.cinerea and weaker against S.epidermidis, S.aureus and group b streptococcus bacteria. Active against the fungus C.albicans. No activity against P.aeruginosa (PubMed:11113131, PubMed:11034317). Interacts with SLC40A1; this interaction promotes SLC40A1 rapid ubiquitination. Highest expression in liver and to a lesser extent in heart and brain. Low levels in lung, tonsils, salivary gland, trachea, prostate gland, adrenal gland and thyroid gland. Secreted into the urine and blood (PubMed:11034317). Expressed by hepatocytes (PubMed:15124018). Expression in hepatocytes is induced by LPS stimulus and the induction is mediated by IL6 (PubMed:15124018). Expression is inhibited in presence of TNF (PubMed:15124018). The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. Belongs to the hepcidin family. Hepcidin entry