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Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins
Published on: June 14, 2016
Mucin 4 is a cellular biomarker of necrotizing bronchiolitis in influenza A virus infection
Bailey L Arruda1, Rachel A Kanefsky2, Samantha Hau1
1Virus and Prion Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, 1920 Dayton Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
Abstract:
Influenza A virus (IAV) in the human and swine host infects epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract causing a necrotizing bronchitis and bronchiolitis. These epithelial surfaces are protected by large glycoproteins called mucins. Mucin 4 (MUC4) is a transmembrane mucin that consists of an alpha subunit responsible for surface protection and intracellular beta subunit involved in signal transduction which repress apoptosis and stimulate epithelial proliferation. This study was designed to determine the expression and potential role of MUC4 during IAV infection. We used immunohistochemistry in combination with machine learning image analysis to quantify differential protein expression of MUC4 subunits in IAV-infected and uninfected lung in a porcine model. MUC4 protein basal expression in control animals varied significantly by litter. MUC4 protein expression was significantly increased in bronchioles with necrotizing bronchiolitis compared to histologically normal bronchioles, likely representing a regenerative response to restore mucosal integrity of conducting airways. Understanding the impact of differential MUC4 expression among healthy individuals and during IAV infection will facilitate control strategies by elucidating mechanisms associated with susceptibility to IAV that can be therapeutically or genetically regulated and may be extended to other respiratory diseases.
Insights
Mucin 4 (MUC4) expression increases in swine lungs during Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, suggesting a regenerative response to repair airway damage. This finding may inform strategies for controlling IAV and other respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Respiratory Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Influenza A virus (IAV) causes respiratory disease in humans and swine by infecting airway epithelial cells.
- Mucins, like Mucin 4 (MUC4), are protective glycoproteins on epithelial surfaces.
- MUC4 has alpha and beta subunits involved in surface protection and cellular signaling, respectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of MUC4 subunits in swine lungs during IAV infection.
- To determine the potential role of MUC4 in the host response to IAV.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect MUC4 protein expression.
- Machine learning image analysis quantified differential MUC4 subunit expression in IAV-infected and uninfected porcine lungs.
- Porcine models were used to study IAV infection.
Main Results:
- Basal MUC4 protein expression showed significant variation among control animals, influenced by litter.
- MUC4 protein expression was significantly elevated in bronchioles exhibiting necrotizing bronchiolitis compared to healthy bronchioles.
- Increased MUC4 expression is likely a regenerative response aimed at restoring mucosal integrity.
Conclusions:
- MUC4 expression is upregulated in response to IAV-induced airway injury in swine.
- Understanding MUC4's role in IAV infection could lead to new therapeutic or genetic control strategies.
- These findings may have implications for managing other respiratory diseases.
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