Mucins: Structural diversity, biosynthesis, its role in pathogenesis and as possible therapeutic targets

Publication date: Available online 24 December 2017
Source:Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
Author(s): Suresh Sulekha Dhanisha, Chandrasekharan Guruayoorappan, Sudarsanan Drishya, Prathapan Abeesh
Mucins are the main structural components of mucus that create a selective protective barrier for epithelial surface and also execute wide range of other physiological functions. Mucins can be classified into two types, namely secreted mucins and membrane bounded mucins. Alterations in mucin expression or glycosylation and mislocalization has been seen in various types of pathological conditions such as cancers, inflammatory bowel disease and ocular disease, which highlight the importance of mucin in maintaining homeostasis. Hence mucins can be used as attractive target for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we discuss in detail about the structural diversity of mucins; their biosynthesis; its role in pathogenesis; regulation and as possible therapeutic targets.



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