title: Importance of β-defensins in sperm function.
abstract: Recent work in humans and mouse has confirmed the involvement of the host defence β-defensin peptides in male fertility. We discuss here the work that has implicated β-defensins in sperm function including the identification of the epididymis as the predominant site of expression of the peptides and the in vivo consequences of mutation and deletion. The potential dual role of these peptides in the regulation of infection and control of sperm maturation is compelling and may combine their antimicrobial activity with the ability of these molecules to interact with cell membrane receptors and modulate ion transport.
authors.affiliation: MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK julia.dorin@igmm.ed.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Julia R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Dorin
authors.affiliation: Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Medical School, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Christopher L R
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Barratt
mesh_terms: D020101:Acrosome Reaction; D000818:Animals; D004822:Epididymis / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D013091:Spermatogenesis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D023083:beta-Defensins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D023083:beta-Defensins
keywords: acrosome reaction; defensin; infertility; sperm; β-defensins