title: Expression of human beta-defensin 1 mRNA in human nasal mucosa.
abstract: Antimicrobial peptides are cationic proteins that are found in a wide range of organisms. Recent reports suggested that human beta-defensin 1 (hBD-1), a prominent group of antimicrobial peptides, is an important component of the innate immune response, particularly at mucosal surfaces that are vulnerable to colonization by potential pathogens. Therefore, hBD-1 may participate in providing intrinsic nasal mucosal defence against microbial infections. The present study aimed to look for hBD-1 mRNA in human nasal mucosa without obvious signs of inflammation. Total RNA was isolated from human inferior turbinate mucosa and hBD-1 mRNA was detected in these tissues by using reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). By in situ hybridization, hBD-1 mRNA was predominantly localized in superficial epithelial cells and submucosal glandular epithelium of human inferior turbinate mucosa. These data suggest that nasal epithelia and submucosal glands may secrete hBD-1, contributing to the mucosal defences of the nose.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul.
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: H H
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D023082:Defensins; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009297:Nasal Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000235:genetics*; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D015347:RNA Probes / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods; D014420:Turbinates / Q000166:cytology; D023083:beta-Defensins
chemical_list: C406407:DEFB1 protein, human; D023082:Defensins; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins; D015347:RNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D023083:beta-Defensins