Four BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein)-like genes expressed in the mouse nasal, oral, airway and digestive epithelia

A cluster of related genes whose products show structural identity with bactericidal permeability-increasing protein (BPI) has been identified in the genomes of both mice (on chromosome 2) and humans (on chromosome 20). Genes in the cluster include those encoding parotid secretory protein (PSP), von Ebner minor salivary gland protein (VEMSGP) and sequences in the PLUNC (palate, lung and nasal epithelium clone) family, among others. This mini-review addresses the tissue-specific expression of these genes in the mouse.