Pathobiological implications of mucin glycans in cancer: Sweet poison and novel targets.

ABSTRACT: Mucins are large glycoproteins expressed on the epithelia that provide a protective barrier against harsh insults from toxins and pathogenic microbes. These glycoproteins are classified primarily as being secreted and membrane-bound; both forms are involved in pathophysiological functions including inflammation and cancer. The high molecular weight of mucins is attributed to their large polypeptide backbone that is extensively covered by glycan moieties that modulate the function of mucins and, hence, play an important role in physiological functions. Deregulation of glycosylation machinery during malignant transformation results in altered mucin glycosylation. This review describes the functional implications and pathobiological significance of altered mucin glycosylation in cancer. Furth

SUBMITTER: Chugh S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4663118 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature