Molecular and expression study of the gene beta-defensin in male and female bovine reproductive tract

Abstract

Β-defensins are widely expressed and rapidly induced at epithelial surfaces to defend against diverse microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. These innate effector molecules are conserved across a wide range of species. It has been shown that their function extends further than antimicrobial action. They have been shown to act as chemokines, induce cytokines, control dog coat colour and facilitate reproduction in the rhesus macaque. Here I show that the cluster of β- defensisns on chromosome 13 in Bos taurus has homologues in human, chimp, macaque, rat, mouse and horse. These homologues are novel in the equine genome. I also show that the positions of these defensins are conserved across mammalian species, except in human and chimp where a chromosome inversion is observed. Expression of selected defensins is characterised in the male and female bovine reproductive tract and found to be restricted to the testis, tail of the epididymis, vas deferens, tail of the Fallopian tube and uterus. From these results I conclude that the function of β-defensins in the bovine reproductive tract could be to facilitate reproduction as well as protect the reproductive tract from infection.