What is DEFA5 Protein

DEFA5, like other proteins in the alpha-defensin family, is a small (6-10 kDa) cysteine-rich cationic protein. These proteins are predominantly found in the granules of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, and cells of the Paneth, located at the base of the crypts of the small intestine. They contribute towards the regulation of our immune system.

The function of the DEFA5 protein

The function of the DEFA5 protein is predominantly antimicrobial. This protein has shown extraordinary microbicidal activity against various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and enveloped viruses, thereby playing a fundamental role in innate immunity. DEFA5 helps maintain the microbial balance within the small intestine by averting the invasion of potentially harmful microbes into the mucosal surface of the gut. This effectively controls the amount and nature of microbial exposure to the human immune system.

DEFA5 protein related signal pathway

The antimicrobial action mechanism of DEFA5 is fascinating and relies significantly on signal transduction pathways. DEFA5 is generally secreted in response to cholinergic signals from nerves and microbial signals from pathogens. Upon stimulation, DEFA5 is released from the Paneth cells into the gut lumen. DEFA5 protein molecules get secreted into the extracellular regions and directly interact with foreign pathogens. They kill the microbes by disrupting their membranes, either by forming pores or by other non-pore mechanisms. This response triggers a plethora of downstream signaling pathways, but the exact molecular mechanisms remain relatively unclear and subject to ongoing research.

DEFA5 protein related diseases

Malfunctions or deficiencies in the DEFA5 protein can lead to a variety of health issues and diseases, highlighting its importance in maintaining our wellbeing. Many published studies connect the lower levels of DEFA5 in the gut with the onset of diseases like Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation of your digestive tract leading to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Similarly, varying levels of DEFA5 have been observed in other gastrointestinal diseases, indicating potential links between this protein and gastrointestinal health.

Fig1. Immunohistochemical detection of DEFA5 protein in intestinal mucosa. (Arijs, et al. 2009)

DEFA5 protein's applications in biomedical

The biomedical applications of DEFA5 are exciting and noteworthy. Given its innate anticancer properties and the fact that it is abundantly present in our gut, DEFA5 is now being explored as a potential weapon against colorectal cancer. Furthermore, because DEFA5 holds such a decisive role in maintaining gastrointestinal health, it serves as an important biomarker for diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment for many gut-related illnesses. The protein's therapeutic applications, though in nascent stages, are of great interest to researchers aiming to engineer synthetic versions of DEFA5 to help boost the body's fight against infections.

In conclusion, DEFA5 protein is a significant biomolecule responsible for protecting our body against harmful pathogens. Though small in size, its impact on human health is tremendous, acting as the first-line defense mechanism against infections. The way it interacts with pathogenic entities reflects its crucial role in the human immune system. Dysfunctions in DEFA5 protein can lead to severe health issues, further underscoring its physiological importance. Despite the broad research that explains the general behavior of the protein, we still have much to learn about its specific mechanisms of action and interaction with various other molecules in the surrounding environment. Continued study of DEFA5 and its functions will likely yield new insights that could lead to novel approaches to disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment in the biomedical sector.

Our Featured Products

Cat.No.	Product Name	Species	Source (Host)	Tag
DEFA5-11927H	Recombinant Human DEFA5, GST-tagged	Human	E.coli	GST
DEFA5-1963H	Recombinant Human DEFA5 protein, His-tagged	Human	E.coli	His
DEFA5-2519H	Recombinant Human DEFA5 Protein, GST-tagged	Human	Wheat Germ	GST
DEFA5-746H	Recombinant Human DEFA5 Protein, His (Fc)-Avi-tagged	Human	HEK293	His (Fc)-Avi
DEFA5-2427HF	Recombinant Full Length Human DEFA5 Protein, GST-tagged	Human	In Vitro Cell Free System	GST
DEFA5-1955M	Recombinant Mouse DEFA5 Protein (59-93 aa), GST-tagged	Mouse	E.coli	GST

Reference

• Arijs, Ingrid & De Hertogh, Gert & Lemaire, Katleen & Quintens, Roel & Van Lommel, Leentje & Steen, Kristel & Leemans, Peter & Cleynen, Isabelle & Assche, Gert & Vermeire, Séverine & Geboes, Karel & Schuit, Frans & Rutgeerts, Paul. (2009). Mucosal Gene Expression of Antimicrobial Peptides in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Before and After First Infliximab Treatment. PloS one. 4. e7984. 10.1371/journal.pone.0007984.