



Ordering Information
| Product Name | Catalog # | UNIT | Price | Qty | FAVORITES | |
α-defensin 4 Double Nickase Plasmid (h) | sc-407288-NIC | 20 µg | $410.00 | |||
α-defensin 4 Double Nickase Plasmid (h2) | sc-407288-NIC-2 | 20 µg | $410.00 |
DEFA4 encodes human α-defensin 4, a cationic antimicrobial peptide enriched in neutrophil granules that contributes to innate immune defense at mucosal and epithelial interfaces. Upon release during degranulation or NET-associated responses, α-defensin 4 can directly disrupt microbial membranes and modulate local inflammatory signaling through interactions with pathogen-associated molecular patterns and host cell receptors. Its activity intersects with neutrophil effector programs, chemotaxis, and cytokine networks that shape early host–pathogen interactions. Altered defensin expression and neutrophil dysregulation have been studied in the context of inflammatory conditions and infection-associated immune phenotypes, supporting DEFA4 as a marker and mechanistic node in innate immunity research.
α-defensin 4 Double Nickase Plasmid (h) consists of a matched pair of plasmids engineered for high-specificity editing of the DEFA4 locus in human cell lines. Each plasmid expresses a Cas9 D10A nickase and a distinct sgRNA targeting opposite DNA strands within DEFA4. When directed to adjacent sites on opposite DNA strands, the two nickases generate offset single-strand nicks that together produce a staggered double-strand break, requiring coordinated on-target activity from both guides. The resulting DNA break is resolved by endogenous cellular repair pathways, most commonly through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), leading to insertions or deletions that disrupt DEFA4 function. By requiring dual sgRNA engagement at the target locus, the double nicking approach enhances editing specificity and provides a complementary CRISPR strategy for applications where additional control over targeting precision is desired.
To support efficient identification of edited cells, one plasmid encodes GFP for fluorescent visualization of transfected populations, while the companion plasmid carries a puromycin resistance gene for antibiotic selection. Together, these features support efficient enrichment of co-transfected populations and simplify the validation of DEFA4-disrupted clones.
For Research Use Only. Not Intended for Diagnostic or Therapeutic Use.