Mucin 1, cell surface associated messenger RNA (MUC1 mRNA)

Mucin 1 (MUC1) messenger RNA is the ribonucleic acid transcript that serves as the template for the synthesis of the MUC1 protein, a large transmembrane glycoprotein (UniProt P15941). In healthy tissues, MUC1 is expressed on the apical surface of epithelial cells, where it plays a critical role in cell signaling, lubrication, and protection against pathogens (NCBI Gene 4582). However, in many human cancers, particularly adenocarcinomas, MUC1 mRNA is significantly overexpressed, leading to the production of an aberrantly glycosylated protein that promotes tumor cell survival, invasion, and metastasis (PubMed 23463255). As a therapeutic target, MUC1 mRNA is addressed using RNA-based technologies such as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to knock down protein expression. These strategies aim to bypass the structural complexity of the heavily glycosylated MUC1 protein by preventing its synthesis at the source. By reducing MUC1 levels, these therapies can inhibit oncogenic pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK, potentially sensitizing tumor cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy (PubMed 25665761).

Other names

MUC-1 mRNACD227 mRNAEMA mRNAPUM mRNAMucin 1 mRNAMucin 1, cell surface associated transcript

Targeted degradation of MUC1 mRNA via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) or RNase H-mediated cleavage, leading to the knockdown of Mucin 1 protein expression.