Current status of mucins in the diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

ABSTRACT: Mucins are the most abundant high molecular weight glycoproteins in mucus. Their nature and glycosylation content dictates the biochemical and biophysical properties of viscoelastic secretions, pointing out an important role in diverse biological functions, such as differentiation, cell adhesions, immune responses, and cell signaling. Mucins are expressed in tubular organs by specialized epithelial cells in the body. Their aberrant expression is well documented in a variety of inflammatory or malignant diseases. From a prognosis point of view, their expression and alterations in glycosylation are associated with the development and progression of malignant diseases. Therefore, mucins can be used as valuable markers to distinguish between normal and disease conditions. Indeed, this alterati

SUBMITTER: Rachagani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2846533 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature