Glycoproteins composed primarily of mucopolysaccharides
Amucoprotein is aglycoprotein composed primarily ofmucopolysaccharides. Mucoproteins can be found throughout the body, including thegastrointestinal tract,reproductive organs, airways, and thesynovial fluid of the knees. They are called mucoproteins because the carbohydrate quantity is more than 4% unlike glycoproteins where the carbohydrate quantity is less than 4%. Mucoprotein is produced in the cecum of the gastrointestinal tract. During gallbladder cancer, mucoprotein is over expressed. Sustaining abrain injury will lead to decreased mucoprotein production. The result is an alteration ofgut microbiota as seen in mice.
Mucoproteins are the proteins that are the building blocks ofmucus, which is a protective barrier to theepithelia of cells. It is semipermeable, so it acts as a barrier to most bacteria and pathogens, while allowing for the uptake ofnutrients,water, andhormones.[1]
Mucoproteins are composed of o-linked carbohydrates as well ashighly glycosylated proteins, which are held together bydisulfide bonds.[2] The viscosity of the mucus depends on the strength of the disulfide bonds. When these disulfide bonds are broken, the viscosity of the mucus secretions is reduced.
There are two subgroups in mycolytic medications and each one works differently to control the hypersecreted mucus.
Classic mucolytic medications these medications change the disulfide bond byreducing it to athiol bond, thus thoroughly breaking down the mucoproteins and making the mucus more manageable.
Peptide mucolytic medications these medications depolymerizeDNA polymer andF-actin links that are present when the mucus hypersecretes. This preserves the mucins that are helpful to the epithelial tissue of the lungs.[4]
Kumar, Puneet; Shukla, Priyesh; Kumari, Soni; Dixit, Ruhi; Narayan, Gopeshwar; Dixit, V. K.; Khanna, A. K. (June 2022). "Expression of Mucoproteins in Gallbladder Cancer".Indian Journal of Surgery.84 (3):456–462.doi:10.1007/s12262-021-02989-7.
