HAMP
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Gene summaries condense public reference material; disease links and population data change as databases are updated. Clinical decisions belong with your care team.
hepcidin antimicrobial peptide
Normal Function
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Hereditary hemochromatosis
At least 14 mutations in the HAMP gene can cause type 2 hemochromatosis, a form of hereditary hemochromatosis that begins during childhood or adolescence. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron accumulates in, and eventually damages, the body's tissues and organs.
Mutations in the HAMP gene result in the production of abnormal hepcidin with decreased function. This altered hepcidin cannot stop iron absorption, even when the body has sufficient supplies of iron. As a result, tissues and organs become overloaded with iron, especially the liver and the heart, leading to organ damage in hereditary hemochromatosis.
More About This Health ConditionRelated Conditions
Hereditary hemochromatosis
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
At least 14 mutations in the HAMP gene can cause type 2 hemochromatosis, a form of hereditary hemochromatosis that begins during childhood or adolescence. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes the body to absorb too much iron from the diet. The excess iron accumulates in, and eventually damages, the body's tissues and organs.
Mutations in the HAMP gene result in the production of abnormal hepcidin with decreased function. This altered hepcidin cannot stop iron absorption, even when the body has sufficient supplies of iron. As a result, tissues and organs become overloaded with iron, especially the liver and the heart, leading to organ damage in hereditary hemochromatosis.