Gastric Mucin

Description

Mucins are high-molecular-weight glycoproteins expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract, with a key role in mucosal protection and function. In gastric cancer expression of MUC5AC and MUC1 is reduced and denovo expression of MUC2 occurs.

The Uses of Gastric Mucin

Mucin from porcine stomach was used in studies on the binding site of the galactose-specific agglutinin PA-IL from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

General Description

Mucins or mucus glycoproteins are the main macromolecular components of mammalian mucus. It was also used in a study to evaluate the sputum smears concentrated by cyto-centrifugation for detection of acid-fast bacilli.

Biological Activity

Mucins are key components of the mucosal barrier in the stomach that protects epithelia from carcinogenic effects of chronic inflammation. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database indicated that mucin-17 (MUC17) was more highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC) specimens, with favourable prognosis for patients.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Mucus forms the protective cover for all epithelial surfaces. The major structural component of mucus is gel-forming mucins. The mucus layer covering the intestinal epithelium has the MUC2 mucin as its central molecule. MUC2 is produced by goblet cells.