Rapid sequence divergence in mammalian beta-defensins by adaptive evolution.

A I Maxwell1, G M Morrison, J R Dorin

  • 1MRC Human Genetics Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.

Molecular Immunology
|October 22, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Novel beta-defensin genes were identified in mice and humans, revealing rapid evolution in antimicrobial peptide regions. One new gene, Defr1, shows unique structure and activity, impacting host defense understanding.

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