Mucin-17 (MUC17) (MUC17)

Mucin-17 (MUC17) is a high-molecular-weight, membrane-tethered glycoprotein that belongs to the mucin family and is primarily localized to the apical membrane of enterocytes in the duodenum and colon (Source: UniProt Q685J3). Its biological function involves the formation of a protective mucosal barrier, which shields the intestinal epithelium from mechanical stress, pathogens, and digestive enzymes (Source: PubMed 12130512). In the context of disease, MUC17 is significantly overexpressed in various gastrointestinal cancers, particularly gastric and colorectal adenocarcinomas, while remaining sequestered on the luminal surface in healthy tissues (Source: PubMed 25633035). This differential expression and accessibility make the extracellular domain of MUC17 a promising therapeutic target for immunotherapies. For instance, AMG 199 is a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) designed to bridge MUC17-expressing tumor cells with CD3-positive T-cells, inducing targeted cytotoxicity (Source: Amgen, NCT04117958). Despite its potential, therapeutic development must address safety concerns regarding on-target off-tumor activity in the normal gastrointestinal tract where MUC17 is physiologically expressed (Source: PubMed 32457107).

Other names

MUC-17KHGMucin 17, cell surface associated

Bispecific T-cell engagement (BiTE) that bridges MUC17-expressing tumor cells with CD3-positive T-cells to induce T-cell mediated cytotoxicity (Source: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04117958).