Regulation of hepcidin and iron homeostasis: progress and prospects

The study of genetic disorders of iron metabolism, identification of transporters and the discovery of hepcidin- a hormone regulating iron homeostasis- have contributed greatly to increase awareness of this metabolism. Substantially, the vision on diseases related to disorders of iron metabolism has been changed. In the last decade, elements of the pathogenesis of these diseases have not only been clarified, but therapeutic applications of these advances are looming. Thus, there are expectations of a new era based on the treatment of iron homeostasis disorders through hepcidin modulation.