This gene encodes a member of the beta subfamily of defensins. Beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that protect tissues and organs from infection by a variety of microorganisms. Expression of this gene is regulated by androgen, and the encoded protein binds to sperm and exhibits antibacterial activity. This gene is found in a cluster with other beta-defensin genes on the long arm of chromosome 20. [provided by RefSeq, Dec 2010]
Function:
Has antibacterial activity.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted.
Tissue Specificity:
High-level and epididymis-specific expression. Most abundant in the epithelium of the caput and is also present in the lumen and bound to sperm. Expressed also in pancreas.
Similarity:
Belongs to the beta-defensin family.
SWISS:
Q96PH6
Gene ID:
117285
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 117285 Human
Omim: 607650 Human
SwissProt: Q96PH6 Human
Unigene: 274124 Human
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