Review Article
Structure and Function of the Polymeric Mucins in Airways Mucus
- David J. Thornton1,Karine Rousseau1 andMichael A. McGuckin2
- View Affiliations and Author NotesHide Affiliations and Author Notes1Wellcome Trust Center for Cell Matrix Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom; email:[email protected]2Mucosal Diseases Program, Mater Medical Research Institute, and Mater Health Services, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Qld 4101, Australia
- Vol. 70:459-486(Volume publication date February 2008)
- First published as a Review in Advance onSeptember 11, 2007
- © Annual Reviews
- View CitationHide Citation
David J. Thornton, Karine Rousseau, Michael A. McGuckin. 2008. Structure and Function of the Polymeric Mucins in Airways Mucus.Annual Review Physiology.70:459-486.https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.physiol.70.113006.100702
Abstract
The airways mucus gel performs a critical function in defending the respiratory tract against pathogenic and environmental challenges. In normal physiology, the secreted mucins, in particular the polymeric mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B, provide the organizing framework of the airways mucus gel and are major contributors to its rheological properties. However, overproduction of mucins is an important factor in the morbidity and mortality of chronic airways disease (e.g., asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). The roles of these enormous, multifunctional, O-linked glycoproteins in health and disease are discussed.
