Dermicidin
An antimicrobial peptide secreted by human sweat glands
Dermicidin is an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that is secreted by the sweat glands in human skin. It plays a crucial role in the innate immune system by providing a first line of defense against pathogens on the skin surface. Dermicidin is unique among AMPs due to its broad-spectrum activity and its ability to remain active in the presence of sweat, which is typically a challenging environment for protein stability.
Structure and Function[edit | edit source]
Dermicidin is encoded by the DCD gene located on chromosome 12q13.1. The peptide is initially synthesized as a precursor protein, which is then processed to produce the active form. The active peptide is approximately 47 amino acids in length and is characterized by its anionic nature, which is unusual for antimicrobial peptides that are typically cationic.
The structure of dermicidin allows it to form channels in bacterial membranes, leading to cell lysis and death. This mechanism is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species. Additionally, dermicidin exhibits antifungal properties, further contributing to its role in skin defense.
Role in Skin Immunity[edit | edit source]
The secretion of dermicidin by sweat glands is a critical component of the skin's barrier function. As sweat is produced, dermicidin is delivered to the skin surface, where it exerts its antimicrobial effects. This process is part of the innate immune response, providing immediate protection against microbial invasion.
Dermicidin's activity is enhanced by the slightly acidic pH of sweat, which helps maintain its stability and function. This environment also inhibits the growth of many pathogens, complementing the action of dermicidin.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Research has shown that dermicidin levels can be affected by various factors, including hormonal changes, stress, and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Alterations in dermicidin expression or function can compromise skin immunity, leading to increased susceptibility to infections.
Furthermore, understanding the mechanisms of dermicidin action has potential therapeutic implications. Enhancing dermicidin activity or mimicking its function could lead to new treatments for skin infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Template:Antimicrobial peptides
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD