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The MUC family: an obituary
Jan Dekker1, John W A Rossen, Hans A Büller
1Laboratory of Paediatrics, Erasmus University and Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr Molewaterplein 50, 3015GE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. dekker@kgk.fgg.eur.nl
Trends in Biochemical Sciences
|March 15, 2002
Summary
Mucins, essential epithelial glycoproteins, mediate cell-milieu interactions. This study proposes renaming mucin genes based on sequence homology, not arbitrary numbering, for clearer classification.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mucins are O-linked glycoproteins on epithelial surfaces, crucial for cell-environment interactions.
- They form protective mucus layers in hollow organs.
- Their properties depend on glycosylation, not polypeptide sequences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the misclassification of mucin genes.
- To propose a new nomenclature system for mucin genes based on sequence homology.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of mucin gene sequences.
- Phylogenetic analysis to identify homologies.
Main Results:
- Absence of significant sequence homology among many human mucin genes.
- Current MUC nomenclature does not reflect evolutionary or functional relationships.
Conclusions:
- The current naming convention for mucin genes (MUC followed by a number) is misleading.
- Renaming mucin genes based on sequence homology will improve clarity and reflect true biological relationships.