Mucin (Secreted gel-forming) (MUC)

Mucin production refers to the biological synthesis and secretion of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins, primarily Mucin-5AC (MUC5AC) and Mucin-5B (MUC5B), which are the main components of the mucus layer protecting epithelial surfaces [1, 3]. In a healthy state, these mucins facilitate mucociliary clearance and provide a barrier against pathogens; however, their overproduction is a pathological hallmark of obstructive airway diseases such as asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis [3, 20]. Therapeutic strategies aim to modulate this process by inhibiting mucin gene transcription, reducing protein synthesis, or blocking the rapid exocytic release of stored mucin granules [4, 7, 13]. While mucin production is often targeted to alleviate airway obstruction, certain mucins also play significant roles in cancer progression and chemoresistance by forming physical barriers that prevent drug delivery to tumor cells [14, 18].

Other names

Mucus productionMucin secretionMucus hypersecretionSecreted gel-forming mucinsMUC5ACMUC5B

Mucolytics break disulfide bonds to reduce viscosity; Mucoregulators (e.g., EGFR or IL-13 inhibitors) decrease mucin gene expression (MUC5AC/MUC5B); Secretion inhibitors (e.g., Syt2-targeting peptides) block the fusion of mucin granules with the plasma membrane; Expectorants increase the volume or clearance of airway secretions [4, 8, 13].