DEFA3 — Defensin alpha 3
DEFA3 belongs to a gene co-expression module in 1 of 28 SCUBA cell types. Each module groups genes that rise and fall together in that cell type; the genes it shares a module with are its closest co-expression partners there.
DEFA3's module in each cell type
| Cell type | Module | Shares the module with | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrophils | Primary Granule Antimicrobial Degranulation | CEACAM6, DEFA4, DUT, HNRNPAB, MS4A3, NUCB2, RNASE2, RNASE3 +1 more |
About the gene
| Synonyms | DEF3, HNP-3 |
|---|---|
| Chromosome | 8: 7015869-7018297 |
| Predicted location | Secreted |
| Essential gene | No |
| Protein class | Cancer-related genes, Predicted secreted proteins |
| Molecular function | Antibiotic, Antimicrobial, Defensin, Fungicide |
| Biological process | Antiviral defense |
Function
Effector molecule of the innate immune system that acts via antibiotic-like properties against a broad array of infectious agents including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Possesses the ability to neutralize bacterial toxins such as B.anthracis lethal factor, Clostridium difficile cytotoxin B as well as leukocidin produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Also blocks herpes simplex virus infection by interacting with envelope glycoprotein B and thus preventing its binding to heparan sulfate, the receptor for attachment.
Human Protein Atlas · Open Targets · UniProt
Gene annotation from the Human Protein Atlas and UniProt; see sources & licences.