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Mucin (family) (MUC (for individual family members, e.g., MUC1, MUC2))
- Target
- MUC (for individual family members, e.g., MUC1, MUC2)
- Molecular classification
- Glycoprotein, Secretory protein, Transmembrane protein, Other
01
Overview
Mucins are a large family of high molecular weight, heavily glycosylated proteins produced by epithelial tissues of animals. They are the principal component of mucus, forming gels that protect and lubricate mucosal surfaces. Mucins function as physical and biochemical barriers against pathogens, participate in immune defense, influence cellular signaling, and regulate the composition of the microbiota on mucosal surfaces. Overexpression or altered glycosylation of mucins is implicated in cancers, inflammatory diseases, and infection susceptibility. Individual mucins can be secreted (e.g., MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B) or membrane-bound (e.g., MUC1, MUC4), with diverse but often overlapping roles.
- Other names
- mucinsmucosal glycoproteinsmucus proteins
02
Mechanism of action
If targeting specific mucin (e.g., MUC1 antibodies): Immune-mediated cytotoxicity in cancer. Otherwise not applicable to the whole group.
03
Biological functions
Physical barrier formationImmune response and modulationLubrication of epithelial surfacesRegulation of microbial composition (microbiota homeostasis)Cell signalingPathogen binding and exclusion
04
Disease associations
Cancer (especially overexpression of some mucins, e.g., MUC1)Inflammation (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease)Infection (protection against viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens)Respiratory diseases (e.g., COVID-19 severity association with MUC1)
05
Safety considerations
Widespread inhibition may disrupt normal mucosal barrier function, risking increased susceptibility to infection and tissue damageAltered mucin expression can lead to hypersensitivity, chronic inflammation, or impaired microbial homeostasis
06
Interacting drugs
No approved drugs directly target the entire group
2 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
MUC1, MUC2, and related glycoproteins for cancer diagnosis and prognosis (e.g., MUC1 in breast and other cancers)Mucin expression in inflammatory disease severity (e.g., IBD)Mucin mRNA signatures for COVID-19 severity
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