Identification, cloning and functional characterization of novel beta-defensins in the rat (Rattus norvegicus)

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dc.contributor.authorYenugu, Sureshen_US
dc.contributor.authorChintalgattu, Vishnuen_US
dc.contributor.authorWingard, Christopher J.en_US
dc.contributor.authorRadhakrishnan, Yashwanthen_US
dc.contributor.authorFrench, Frank S.en_US
dc.contributor.authorHall, Susan H.en_US
dc.date.accessioned2011-01-28T18:37:59Zen_US
dc.date.accessioned2011-05-17T00:56:25Z
dc.date.available2011-01-28T18:37:59Zen_US
dc.date.available2011-05-17T00:56:25Z
dc.date.issued2006-02-04en_US
dc.description.abstractBackground beta-defensins are small cationic peptides that exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial properties. The majority of beta-defensins identified in humans are predominantly expressed in the male reproductive tract and have roles in non-immunological processes such as sperm maturation and capacitation. Characterization of novel defensins in the male reproductive tract can lead to increased understanding of their dual roles in immunity and sperm maturation. Methods In silico rat genomic analyses were used to identify novel beta-defensins related to human defensins 118–123. RNAs isolated from male reproductive tract tissues of rat were reverse transcribed and PCR amplified using gene specific primers for defensins. PCR products were sequenced to confirm their identity. RT-PCR analysis was performed to analyze the tissue distribution, developmental expression and androgen regulation of these defensins. Recombinant defensins were tested against E. coli in a colony forming unit assay to analyze their antimicrobial activities. Results Novel beta-defensins, Defb21, Defb24, Defb27, Defb30 and Defb36 were identified in the rat male reproductive tract. Defb30 and Defb36 were the most restricted in expression, whereas the others were expressed in a variety of tissues including the female reproductive tract. Early onset of defensin expression was observed in the epididymides of 10–60 day old rats. Defb21-Defb36 expression in castrated rats was down regulated and maintained at normal levels in testosterone supplemented animals. DEFB24 and DEFB30 proteins showed potent dose and time dependent antibacterial activity. Conclusion Rat Defb21, Defb24, Defb27, Defb30 and Defb36 are abundantly expressed in the male reproductive tract where they most likely protect against microbial invasion. They are developmentally regulated and androgen is required for full expression in the adult epididymis. Originally published Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, Vol. 4, No. 7, Feb 2006en_US
dc.identifier.citationReproductive Biology and Endocrinology; 4:7 p. 1-9en_US
dc.identifier.doi10.1186/1477-7827-4-7
dc.identifier.pmidPMC1420305en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10342/3123en_US
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherEast Carolina Universityen_US
dc.relation.urihttp://www.rbej.com/content/4/1/7en_US
dc.rightsAuthor notified of opt-out rights by Cammie Jenningsen_US
dc.subjectBeta-defensinsen_US
dc.subjectSperm maturationen_US
dc.subjectAntimicrobial propertiesen_US
dc.titleIdentification, cloning and functional characterization of novel beta-defensins in the rat (Rattus norvegicus)en_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
ecu.journal.issue7
ecu.journal.nameReproductive Biology and Endocrinology
ecu.journal.pages1-9
ecu.journal.volume4

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