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Upper airway mucin gene expression: A review

Lookup NU author(s): M Shamsher Ali, Professor Jeffrey Pearson

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The gel-like properties of mucus depend primarily on its content of mucins. The protein backbones of mucins are encoded by mucin genes. Of the currently known 20 mucin genes that encode protein backbone of mucins, 16 have been identified in the airways. METHOD: We explored the current knowledge about upper airway mucin expression in health and disease conditions using a Medline search. We have also studied upper airway mucin gene expression and compared our results with the results from other studies. RESULTS: MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC2 are the principal gel-forming mucins secreted in the airway. However, the spectrum of mucin expression in chronic upper airway diseases such as nasal polyps, chronic sinusitis, middle ear effusion, and cystic fibrosis is generally wide and variable. DISCUSSION: The wide spectrum of upper airway mucin expression is possibly caused by various anatomic and histologic features as well as physiologic and pathologic variables. These variables have not been fully explored yet, and the majority of airway mucin expression studies used small numbers of samples. CONCLUSION: Studies including adequate numbers of samples (patients) are more likely to reveal a clearer profile and more precise expression patterns. Generating a clear profile of mucin expression patterns in health and disease requires the analysis of different variables, which can alter that expression. It is also essential to understand the various molecular mechanisms controlling mucin gene and protein expression. This could lead to the invention of novel therapeutic modalities to treat upper airway diseases. © The American Laryngological, Rhinological & Otological Society, Inc.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Ali MS, Pearson JP

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Laryngoscope

Year: 2007

Volume: 117

Issue: 5

Pages: 932-938

ISSN (print): 0023-852X

ISSN (electronic): 1531-4995

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MLG.0b013e3180383651

DOI: 10.1097/MLG.0b013e3180383651

PubMed id: 17473699


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