Association of a genetic polymorphism (-44 C/G SNP) in the human DEFB1 gene with expression and inducibility of multiple beta-defensins in gingival keratinocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Human beta-defensins (hBDs) are antimicrobial peptides with a role in innate immune defense. Our laboratory previously showed that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 5' untranslated region of the hBD1 gene (DEFB1), denoted -44 (rs1800972), is correlated with protection from oral Candida. Because this SNP alters the putative mRNA structure, we hypothesized that it alters hBD1 expression.

Methods

Transfection of reporter constructs and evaluation of antimicrobial activity and mRNA expression levels in keratinocytes from multiple donors were used to evaluate the effect of this SNP on constitutive and induced levels of expression.

Results

Transfection of CAT reporter constructs containing the 5' untranslated region showed that the -44 G allele yielde

SUBMITTER: Kalus AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2739845 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature