Mucin 3A, cell surface associated (MUC3A)

MUCIN 3A, cell surface associated (MUC3A) is a large, membrane-bound glycoprotein primarily found on epithelial cell surfaces, particularly in the intestinal tract and renal tubules[1][2][5]. The protein contains extensive serine/threonine-rich tandem repeat regions, conferring dense O-linked glycosylation, and includes SEA and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains[4]. MUC3A forms part of the mucosal barrier, providing protection and lubrication for epithelial tissues[1][2]. In cancer, altered MUC3A expression is associated with tumor progression, poor prognosis, and therapeutic resistance, particularly through upregulation of EGFR signaling and PD-L1-mediated immune evasion[2][4]. Knockdown of MUC3A enhances EGFR inhibitor sensitivity, reduces cancer cell proliferation, and overcomes chemoresistance, supporting its role as a potential cancer therapeutic target and biomarker[4][2][6]. MUC3A is part of the mucin family, specifically within membrane-bound mucins, and is not a classical receptor, enzyme, or ion channel, but rather a structural and regulatory glycoprotein involved in both physical and biochemical tumor microenvironment modulation[2][6].

Other names

Mucin-3AMUC3AMUC3MUC-3AIntestinal mucin-3Amucin 3, intestinalintestinal mucinMUC3A_HUMANA630081J09RikLOC100509522LOC101060740LOC102725120LOC732156

Drugs targeting mutant EGFR downregulate pro-tumorigenic signaling (PI3K/Akt and MAPK) that is stabilized by MUC3A[4] MUC3A knockdown sensitizes tumor cells to EGFR inhibitors by destabilizing EGFR and reducing PD-L1 expression[4]