Mucin glycoprotein (respiratory tract)

Mucin glycoproteins in respiratory tract mucus are large, heavily O-glycosylated proteins that form the primary structural and functional components of mucus in the airways. The major types in humans are gel-forming mucins (mainly MUC5AC and MUC5B) secreted by goblet cells, and several transmembrane mucins (MUC1, MUC4, MUC16) expressed by airway epithelial cells. These proteins form a viscoelastic gel that traps and helps remove pathogens, particulates, and toxins, supporting mucociliary clearance and acting as a physical and biochemical defense barrier. Mucins' expression and glycosylation patterns are regulated by inflammatory signals, infection, hormones, and disease states, with dysregulation contributing to diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis. Some mucins also mediate intracellular signaling for host defense and tissue homeostasis. — Notes: - "Mucin glycoproteins in respiratory tract mucus" is not a single molecule or canonical therapeutic target, but a heterogeneous class of proteins. Targeting usually refers to individual mucins such as MUC1, MUC5AC, or MUC5B. Thus, is_incorrect: true, as it is too broad and generic for structured drug-target mapping. - For structured data, consider extracting entries for MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC1, etc., rather than the collective class.

Other names

Airway mucinRespiratory mucinMucus glycoprotein

Drugs cleave, modify, or disrupt mucin structure to decrease mucus viscosity and facilitate clearance