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The MUC2 gene product: a human intestinal mucin
A Allen1, D A Hutton, J P Pearson
1Department of Physiological Sciences, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. a.allen@ncl.ac.uk
The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology
|September 2, 1998
Summary
The MUC2 gene product, a key component of mucus, forms a protective gut barrier. Its structure and function are crucial, with alterations linked to colonic cancer and ulcerative colitis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The MUC2 gene encodes the core protein of human secretory mucin.
- Mucin proteins, like MUC2, are characterized by tandem repeat sequences rich in threonine and serine.
- These proteins are heavily glycosylated, with oligosaccharides comprising 80% of their weight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the structure and function of the MUC2 gene product.
- To understand the role of MUC2 in forming protective mucus barriers.
- To investigate the implications of MUC2 alterations in gastrointestinal diseases.
Main Methods:
- Gene sequencing to determine the MUC2 protein structure.
- Analysis of amino acid composition and repeat sequences.
- Investigation of MUC2 polymerization through disulfide bridges.
- Examination of MUC2 expression levels in disease states.
Main Results:
- The MUC2 gene product is the first sequenced human secretory mucin core protein.
- It is a large protein (over 5100 amino acids) that polymerizes into high molecular weight mucins (approx. 10(7) Mr).
- Decreased MUC2 expression is observed in colonic cancer, and defective polymerization occurs in ulcerative colitis.
Conclusions:
- Elucidating MUC2 gene sequences aids in understanding mucin structure and function.
- MUC2 is vital for the protective epithelial barrier in the gut.
- MUC2 defects are implicated in the pathogenesis of colonic cancer and ulcerative colitis.