Mucosal protein-glycan complex

Mucosal protein-glycan complexes, primarily composed of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins known as mucins, form the structural backbone of the protective mucus layer covering epithelial surfaces in the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urogenital tracts (Wagner et al., 2018). These complexes serve as a critical physiological barrier, providing lubrication, maintaining hydration, and trapping pathogens and particulates to facilitate their clearance via mucociliary or peristaltic action (Thornton et al., 2008). In diseases such as cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypersecretion or altered cross-linking of these complexes leads to airway obstruction, while in gastric diseases, their degradation exposes the epithelium to acid damage (Fahy & Dickey, 2010). Therapeutically, these complexes are targeted by mucolytic agents that break down their structural integrity to clear secretions, or by mucoprotective drugs that enhance their barrier function (Sadowska, 2012). Additionally, aberrant expression of specific mucin-glycan complexes on cancer cells makes them important targets for diagnostic biomarkers and targeted immunotherapies (Kufe, 2009).

Other names

MucinMucus glycoproteinMucosal barrier complexGlycocalyx component

Reduction of disulfide bonds to decrease mucus viscosity; stimulation of endogenous mucus secretion; physical adherence to damaged mucosa to provide a protective barrier.