DEFB126
DEFB126 (defensin beta 126, also known as bA530N10.1, DEFB-26 or C20orf8) is a secreted, highly glycosylated and atypical beta-defensin. It contributes to several aspects of sperm function, including transport in the female reproductive tract, and has antimicrobial activity in vitro. Browse Assay Genie's current range of DEFB126 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
DEFB126 is a highly glycosylated, atypical member of the beta-defensin family that is involved in several aspects of sperm function. It facilitates sperm transport in the female reproductive tract and contributes to protecting sperm against immunodetection. Both roles are probably linked to the negative surface charge provided by its O-linked oligosaccharides in the sperm glycocalyx.
The protein is also involved in the binding of sperm to oviductal epithelial cells, forming a sperm reservoir until ovulation. During capacitation and ovulation, a rise in oviductal fluid pH releases DEFB126 from the sperm surface. This unmasks other surface components and allows sperm to penetrate the cumulus matrix and bind to the zona pellucida of the oocyte. In vitro, it has antimicrobial activity and may inhibit LPS-mediated inflammation.
Defensins are cysteine-rich cationic polypeptides that are important in the immunological response to invading microorganisms. The DEFB126 gene encodes a secreted antimicrobial protein, and beta-defensin genes are found in several clusters across the genome; this one maps to a cluster at 20p13. The encoded protein is highly similar to an epididymal-specific secretory protein (ESP13.2) from cynomolgus monkey. Mutation of the gene is associated with impaired sperm function. The previous symbol C20orf8 reflects its earlier designation as chromosome 20 open reading frame 8.
DEFB126 is a component of the sperm glycocalyx involved in sperm transport, protection from immunodetection and reservoir formation in the oviduct.
Release of DEFB126 during capacitation unmasks surface components that allow sperm to penetrate the cumulus matrix and bind the zona pellucida.
Mutation of the gene is associated with impaired sperm function, making it a subject of interest in reproductive genetics.
As a beta-defensin with in vitro antimicrobial activity that may inhibit LPS-mediated inflammation, it is studied in host defence.
DEFB126 is a secreted, heavily glycosylated beta-defensin that supports sperm function. It aids transport through the female reproductive tract, helps shield sperm from immunodetection and mediates binding to oviductal epithelial cells to form a sperm reservoir. In vitro it also shows antimicrobial activity.
The HGNC name is defensin beta 126, and UniProt lists beta-defensin 126. Aliases include bA530N10.1 and DEFB-26. The gene was previously called C20orf8 (chromosome 20 open reading frame 8), and an earlier name format was 'defensin, beta 126'.
Mutation of the DEFB126 gene is associated with impaired sperm function. The protein is highly similar to the epididymal-specific secretory protein ESP13.2 from cynomolgus monkey. Mouse and rat orthologs are not specified in the source data, so check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other beta-defensins, defensin family members and innate immunity targets with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9BYW3; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.