background:
Beta-defensins are small cationic peptides with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against a variety of enveloped viruses, fungi and bacteria. Produced in mucosal epithelia and neutrophils of several species, Beta-defensins are developmentally regulated. The family of Beta-defensin proteins share a common defensin-motif that is characterized by multiple cysteine residues and a highly conserved tertiary structure. Besides playing a significant role in host immune defense, many Beta-defensins also are involved in sperm maturation and capacitation. Beta-defensin 121 is a 76 amino acid secreted protein that most likely contains a signal peptide sequence that requires cleavage by proteolytic enzymes in order to become biologically active. While expressed at low levels in testis, Beta-defensin 121 is abundantly expressed in epididymal caput and corpus and, unlike other Beta-defensins, it does not appear to be regulated by androgens.
Function:
Has antibacterial activity.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted.
Similarity:
Belongs to the beta-defensin family.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 245934 Human
SwissProt: Q5J5C9 Human
Unigene: 272294 Human
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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