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MUC2

Function

Coats the epithelia of the intestines, airways, and other mucus membrane-containing organs. Thought to provide a protective, lubricating barrier against particles and infectious agents at mucosal surfaces. Major constituent of both the inner and outer mucus layers of the colon and may play a role in excluding bacteria from the inner mucus layer.

Post-translational modifications

O-glycosylated.

May undergo proteolytic cleavage in the outer mucus layer of the colon, contributing to the expanded volume and loose nature of this layer which allows for bacterial colonization in contrast to the inner mucus layer which is dense and devoid of bacteria.

At low pH of 6 and under, undergoes autocatalytic cleavage in vitro in the N-terminal region of the fourth VWD domain. It is likely that this also occurs in vivo and is triggered by the low pH of the late secretory pathway.

Tissue specificity

Colon, small intestine, colonic tumors, bronchus, cervix and gall bladder.

Cellular localization

  • Secreted
  • In the intestine, secreted into the inner and outer mucus layers.

Alternative names

  • Mucin-2
  • MUC-2
  • Intestinal mucin-2
  • SMUC
  • MUC2

Target type

Proteins

Molecular weight

540300Da