Mucin-6 (MUC6) (MUC6)

Mucin-6 (MUC6) is a large, gel-forming secretory glycoprotein that is a major component of the protective mucus layer in the gastrointestinal tract, specifically in the stomach, duodenum, and gallbladder [1, 6]. It functions primarily to maintain epithelial barrier integrity, shielding the underlying mucosa from the harsh environment of gastric acid, pepsin, and bile acids, while also exhibiting antimicrobial properties against pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori [1, 7]. In the context of disease, MUC6 is frequently downregulated in gastric and pancreatic adenocarcinomas, where its loss correlates with increased tumor invasiveness and poor patient prognosis [5, 12, 16]. Conversely, its aberrant expression or the presence of specific glycoforms, such as the Tn antigen, makes it a valuable biomarker for cancer diagnosis and a potential target for novel therapeutic interventions [2, 13]. Current research is exploring MUC6-targeted strategies, including immunotherapy and lectin-drug conjugates, to treat malignancies characterized by mucin deregulation [1, 5]. These approaches aim to exploit the unique biochemical properties of MUC6 to improve outcomes in patients with gastrointestinal and other epithelial cancers [2, 5].

Other names

MUC-6Gastric mucin-6Mucin 6, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming

Targeting of aberrant glycoforms (e.g., Tn antigen) for immunotherapy; Lectin-mediated drug delivery to mucin-deficient tumor cells; Restoration of MUC6 expression to inhibit tumor invasion.