DEFA6
Encyclopedia
Defensin, alpha 6 also known as human alpha defensin 6 (HD6) is a human protein
that is encoded by the DEFA6 gene
. DEFA6 is expressed in the Paneth cells
of the ileum
.
and viruses. HD6 was reported to possess poor antibacterial potency.
Several alpha defensin
genes, including DEFA6, are clustered on chromosome 8.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that is encoded by the DEFA6 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
. DEFA6 is expressed in the Paneth cells
Paneth cells
Paneth cells, along with goblet cells, enterocytes, and enteroendocrine cells, represent the principal cell types of the epithelium of the small intestine...
of the ileum
Ileum
The ileum is the final section of the small intestine in most higher vertebrates, including mammals, reptiles, and birds. In fish, the divisions of the small intestine are not as clear and the terms posterior intestine or distal intestine may be used instead of ileum.The ileum follows the duodenum...
.
Function
The alpha defensins are a family of microbicidal and cytotoxic peptides that defend the host against bacteriaBacteria
Bacteria are a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a wide range of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals...
and viruses. HD6 was reported to possess poor antibacterial potency.
Several alpha defensin
Defensin
Defensins are small cysteine-rich cationic proteins found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. They have also been reported in plants. They are, and function as, host defense peptides. They are active against bacteria, fungi and many enveloped and nonenveloped viruses. They consist of 18-45 amino...
genes, including DEFA6, are clustered on chromosome 8.