Tags: Protein.
The hemopexin family is a family of evolutionarily related proteins. Hemopexin-like repeats occur in vitronectin and some matrix metalloproteinases family (matrixins). The HX repeats of some matrixins bind tissue inhibitor of metallopeptidases (TIMPs).Hemopexin (EC 3.2.1.35) is a serum glycoprotein that binds haem and transports it to the liver for breakdown and iron recovery after which the free hemopexin returns to the circulation. Hemopexin prevents haem-mediated oxidative stress.