Mucin family (cellular mucin proteins) (MUC proteins)

“Cellular proteins/mucins” is not a single molecular target but a broad family of high–molecular weight, heavily O‑glycosylated epithelial glycoproteins encoded by at least 21 human MUC genes, encompassing both secreted gel‑forming mucins (e.g., MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B) and membrane-associated mucins (e.g., MUC1, MUC4, MUC13). These proteins constitute the primary structural component of mucus, form hydrated protective barriers, mediate lubrication, and participate in host–microbe interactions by presenting diverse glycans that can bind or sequester pathogens. Several membrane mucins also signal via their cytoplasmic tails and influence proliferation, adhesion, motility, and survival. Dysregulated expression and glycosylation of specific mucins are implicated in carcinogenesis and infection biology; for example, MUC1 overexpression is associated with many cancers, MUC5B is essential for mucociliary clearance and airway host defense, and gastric MUC1/MUC5AC help limit Helicobacter pylori adhesion. As a category, “mucins” is too broad to serve as one canonical drug target; therapeutic and diagnostic efforts usually focus on individual gene products (e.g., MUC1, MUC13) rather than the entire family.[4][2][1][5]

Other names

mucinsmucin glycoproteinsMUC familyepithelial mucinssecreted mucinsmembrane-associated mucins