The Reduction-insensitive Bonds of the MUC2 Mucin Are Isopeptide Bonds.

ABSTRACT: The main structural component of the mucus in the gastrointestinal tract is the MUC2 mucin. It forms large networks that in colon build the loose outer mucous layer that provides the habitat for the commensal flora and the inner mucous layer that protects the epithelial cells by being impenetrable to bacteria. The epithelial cells in mice lacking MUC2 are not adequately protected from bacteria, resulting in inflammation and the development of colon cancer as found in human ulcerative colitis. Correct processing of the MUC2 mucin is the basis for the building of these protective networks. During the biosynthesis of the MUC2 mucin, post-translational modifications are formed resulting in reduction-insensitive bonds between MUC2 monomers. By the use of γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and isopeptidas

SUBMITTER: Recktenwald CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4919444 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature