Scientific background: |
DEFB1,Beta-defensin 1, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DEFB1 gene. DEFB1 belongs to the defensin family. Defensins form a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides made by neutrophils. The DEFB1 gene spans more than 7 kb and includes a large 6,962-bp intron.By 2-color fluorescence in situ hybridization on both metaphase chromosomes and released chromatin fiber, the DEFB1gene is mapped to 8p23.2-p23.1, within 100 to 150 kb of the gene for human neutrophil defensin-alpha-1. DEFB1may augment neonatal host defenses through antimicrobial effects or prime the adaptive immune system at mucosal surfaces. |
References: |
1. Jia, H. P., Starner, T., Ackermann, M., Kirby, P., Tack, B. F., McCray, P. B., Jr.Abundant human beta-defensin-1 expression in milk and mammary gland epithelium.J.
2. Liu, L., Zhao, C., Heng, H. H. Q., Ganz, T.The human beta-defensin-1 and alpha-defensins are encoded by adjacent genes: two peptide families with differing disulfide topology share a common ancestry.
3. Valore, E. V., Park, C. H., Quayle, A. J., Wiles, K. R., McCray, P. B., Jr., Ganz, T.Human beta-defensin-1: an antimicrobial peptide of urogenital tissues.J. Clin.
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