Since PGRMC1 promotes the hepcidin expression in hepatocytes by a mechanism that does not involve BMP signaling, it is conceivable that endogenous and/or exogenous activators of PGRMC1 would be able to increase hepcidin production in the liver in patients with hemochromatosis as a novel pharmacological treatment strategy. Here, HAMP is linked to hemochromatosis type 1.