protein_function: Acts as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) coreceptor.Through enhancement of BMP signaling regulates hepcidin (HAMP)expression and regulates iron homeostasis..
Hemojuvelin (HJV,RGMc,HFE2) is a membrane-bound and soluble protein in mammals. It is a member of a three gene family (in vertebrates) called the repulsive guidance molecules. In mouse, the Hemojuvelin protein is encoded by the HFE2 gene, and it is mapped to Chromosome 3. It was concluded that downregulation of hepatic Hemojuvelin during inflammation may induce a temporary elimination of iron sensing. Hemojuvelin is a coreceptor for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and inhibition of endogenous BMP signaling reduces hepcidin expression and increases serum iron in mice. Furthermore, Hemojuvelin may play inhibitory roles in prostate cancer by suppressing cell growth, adhesion, migration and invasion.