Mucins

Mucins () are a family of high molecular weight, heavily glycosylated proteins (glycoconjugates) produced by epithelial tissues in most animals. Mucins are distinguished between membrane-bound mucins, forming the glycocalyx, or secreted mucins, forming mucus-gels. These mucus gels cover the wet epithelium, serving functions from lubrication (as seen e.g. in the eyes), to physico-chemical barrier formation, protecting against foreign particles and pathogens as seen in e.g. the lungs or intestine. Next to their physical properties, gel-forming and transmembrane mucins alike are also involved in cell signalling and immune responses. They often take an inhibitory role. Some mucins are associated with controlling mineralization, including nacre formation in mollusks, calcification in echinoderms and bone formation in vertebrates. Besides their physicochemical barrier properties, mucins have been reported to function as receptors for various pathogens, facilitating their invasion into host cells. Thus they display a dual role in host defence, which is currently under investigation. Dysregulation of mucin expression and secretion is closely associated with various diseases. Overexpression of the mucin proteins, especially MUC1, is associated with many types of cancer. An impaired mucus barrier integrity, showing decreased mucus layer thickness and, or increased permeability are closely linked to e.g. Crohn´s disease and Ulcerative colitis.