Gel-Forming Mucin MUC5B

The MUC5B mucin plays an important role in the homeostasis of respiratory, gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts under physiological conditions and fulfills various important functions in human pathology. In this chapter, the molecular structure of the MUC5B gene and the mechanisms that regulate its activity are considered. Biochemical and biophysical properties of the MUC5B glycoprotein, its biosynthesis and posttranslational modifications as well as expression in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and female reproductive organs under physiological and pathological conditions are analyzed. The impact of MUC5B mucin in physiology and pathology of respiratory, gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts and of such organs as eye, middle ear, breast and thyroid is discussed.

Keywords: MUC5B, evolution, domain, biosynthesis, promoter, regulation, expression.