Consequence of distinctive expression of MUC2 in colorectal cancers: How much is actually bad?

Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits complex pathogenesis via compromised intestinal mucosal barrier. It is accepted that goblet cells secrete mucin which line the intestinal mucosal barrier and offer wide range protection and maintain the gut integrity. The principal mucin in the small and large intestine which is Mucin2 (MUC2) is predominantly expressed in the goblet cells which play a pivotal role in intestinal homeostasis. Its disruption is associated with diverse diseases and carcinomas. MUC2 has lately been identified as a principal marker in various mechanisms and secretory cell lineage. While MUC2 expression is regulated by various modulators, alterations in its expression are associated with immunomodulation, differences in tumor immunity and also regulation of microbiota. In the light of current literature, the present review explicates the regulation, functional mechanisms and essential role of MUC2 in colorectal cancer and aids in providing deep understanding of pathogenesis of the disease and also specifies the importance of the MUC2 in gaining more insights about the subtypes of colorectal cancer and how it can succour in approximating the prognosis and survival of the patients.