Human beta-defensins are a family of cationic peptides that share a pattern of six conserved cysteine residues. We describe the cloning and characterization of the cDNAs of five novel beta-defensin genes (DEFB25-DEFB29) clustered on chromosome 20p13, which were identified using a bioinformatics approach. Expression analysis revealed the occurrence of the transcripts in only a few organs, with the highest abundance in the male genital tract. Examination of beta-defensin expression in human epididymis by real-time quantitative RT-PCR revealed a distribution along the functionally different segments of the epididymal duct. In situ hybridization for one of the cDNAs shows mRNA restriction to the epithelial cell layer of the epididymis, known to secrete factors responsible for sperm maturation. We suggest that the novel peptides carry out physiological functions in the male genital tract that may not be directly related to bacterial growth inhibition in host defense.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0888-7543(02)00034-4 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Epigenetic regulation on left atrial function and disease recurrence after catheter ablation in atrial fibrillation.
Clin Epigenetics
December 2024
Division of Cardiology, Korea University College of Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
Background: Genetic variation and modifiable risk factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). The influence of epigenetic modification on AF remains to be elucidated. We investigated the role of DNA methylation in the etiology of AF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExpression and Immune Response Profiles in Nile Tilapia () and European Sea Bass () During Pathogen Challenge and Infection.
Int J Mol Sci
November 2024
Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg El Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt.
Nile tilapia () and European sea bass () are economically significant species in Mediterranean countries, serving essential roles in the aquaculture industry due to high market demand and nutritional value. They experience substantial losses from bacterial pathogens and , particularly at the onset of the summer season. The immune mechanisms involved in fish infections by and remain poorly understood.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDietary sanguinarine supplementation improves the growth performance and intestinal immunity of broilers.
Anim Nutr
December 2024
College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi 030801, China.
Dietary sanguinarine (SAN) can enhance the growth performance of poultry and livestock, but the regulatory mechanism of the SAN monomer on intestinal homeostasis and how it promotes growth performance has not yet been clarified. In this study, 200 chickens were divided into four groups and fed different doses of SAN (0, 0.225, 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMEHP induced mitochondrial damage by promoting ROS production in CIK cells, leading to apoptosis, autophagy, cell cycle arrest.
Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol
February 2025
Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China. Electronic address:
Although Mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) is a metabolite of Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), it has been confirmed to exhibit stronger biological toxicity than DEHP. Mitochondrial dynamic homeostasis and normal mitochondrial function regulate numerous physiological and pathological processes. However, it remains unclear whether MEHP triggers apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest in grass carp kidney (CIK) cells by causing mitochondrial damage.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInnovative unified impact of magnetite iron nanoparticles and quercetin on broiler chickens: performance, antioxidant and immune defense and controlling of infection.
Front Vet Sci
November 2024
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Article Synopsis
- Necrotic enteritis in poultry leads to poor growth and increased death rates, prompting researchers to explore dietary interventions.
- A study tested the effects of quercetin-loaded magnetized nanoparticles on young broiler chickens, comparing different diets to assess their impact on growth and immune responses.
- Results showed that the quercetin-loaded FeO-NPs significantly improved growth, enhanced intestinal immune functions, reduced harmful bacteria colonization, and restored oxidative balance in birds challenged with necrotic enteritis.
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!