title: Expression of beta-defensin genes by human salivary glands.
abstract: This study investigated expression of genes encoding human beta-defensins 1 and 2 by human salivary glands. Tissues from surgical biopsies were collected fresh onto ice and stored in liquid nitrogen. Total RNA was extracted using Trizol reagent and human beta-defensin messenger RNA detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification. DNA sequencing of amplified fragments, after ligation into pGEM-T Easy vector and transformation of competent Escherichia coli, confirmed identities of cloned fragments. Human beta-defensin 1 messenger RNA was detected in all 25 samples that generated amplifiable cDNA, as assessed using abl-specific primers. Three of 13 submandibular gland samples (two normal, one chronically inflamed), and 2 of 2 minor salivary gland samples (one normal, one chronically inflamed) expressed human beta-defensin 2 messenger RNA. All six parotid gland samples studied were negative for human beta-defensin 2 messenger RNA. Thus, human beta-defensin 1 gene expression occurred in all human major and minor salivary glands studied, whereas human beta-defensin 2 expression occurred only in a small number of gland samples.
authors.affiliation: Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bonass
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: High
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Owen
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Devine
mesh_terms: D023082:Defensins; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D011506:Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D023082:Defensins; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012471:Salivary Proteins and Peptides