A genome-wide screen identifies a single beta-defensin gene cluster in the chicken: implications for the origin and evolution of mammalian defensins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Defensins comprise a large family of cationic antimicrobial peptides that are characterized by the presence of a conserved cysteine-rich defensin motif. Based on the spacing pattern of cysteines, these defensins are broadly divided into five groups, namely plant, invertebrate, alpha-, beta-, and theta-defensins, with the last three groups being mostly found in mammalian species. However, the evolutionary relationships among these five groups of defensins remain controversial.

Results

Following a comprehensive screen, here we report that the chicken genome encodes a total of 13 different beta-defensins but with no other groups of defensins being discovered. These chicken beta-defensin genes, designated as Gallinacin 1-13, are clustered densely within a 86-Kb distan

SUBMITTER: Xiao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC515299 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature