Mucin-2 (MUC2) (MUC2)

Mucin-2 (MUC2) is the primary gel-forming glycoprotein of the intestinal mucus layer, synthesized and secreted by specialized goblet cells [UniProt: P17181]. It plays a critical role in maintaining gut homeostasis by forming a physical and chemical barrier that separates the luminal contents, including the dense microbiota, from the underlying intestinal epithelium [PubMed: 22645252]. This barrier prevents the translocation of pathogens and toxins while facilitating the transport of nutrients and providing a niche for commensal bacteria. In diseases such as ulcerative colitis, the MUC2 layer is often thinned or structurally compromised, leading to direct contact between bacteria and the immune system, which triggers chronic inflammation [PubMed: 28838971]. Conversely, in certain mucinous colorectal cancers, MUC2 is overexpressed and contributes to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Therapeutic strategies targeting MUC2 focus on enhancing its production or structural integrity to restore barrier function, such as with rebamipide or phosphatidylcholine, or using mucolytic agents like N-acetylcysteine to clear pathological mucus accumulation in conditions like cystic fibrosis [PubMed: 25100600, PubMed: 20531350].

Other names

MUC-2Intestinal mucin-2Gel-forming mucin-2Oligomeric mucus/gel-forming mucin

Stimulation of mucin secretion, reinforcement of the mucosal barrier, or mucolysis via cleavage of disulfide bonds.