Mucins: an overview of functions and biological activity

Abstract

This review aims to provide novel evidence on the function of mucins in defense of epithelia and to spot mucin changes in the epithelial surface. High molecular weight glycoproteins known as mucins are distinguished by their substantial O-glycosylation. The cell surface-associated mucins are divided into two categories as surface and gel-forming mucins. These are among the significant mucins expressed by the surface epithelia. Recent developments in functional assays have evaluated their functions in preserving corneal, conjunctival, respiratory, and digestive epithelia. The presentation includes changes in mucin and mucin O-glycan production in epithelial surface illnesses, including infection, non-autoimmune dry eye, autoimmune dry eye, and allergy. Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins characterized by their extensive O-glycosylation. Recent advances using functional assays have allowed the examination of their roles in protecting epithelial tissues. Alterations in mucin and mucin O-glycan biosynthesis in epithelial surface disorders, including allergy, non-autoimmune dry eye, cancers, and infection, are presented.