Mucin gel assembly is controlled by a collective action of non-mucin proteins, disulfide bridges, Ca²⁺-mediated links, and hydrogen bonding.

ABSTRACT: Mucus is characterized by multiple levels of assembly at different length scales which result in a unique set of rheological (flow) and mechanical properties. These physical properties determine its biological function as a highly selective barrier for transport of water and nutrients, while blocking penetration of pathogens and foreign particles. Altered integrity of the mucus layer in the small intestine has been associated with a number of gastrointestinal tract pathologies such as Crohn's disease and cystic fibrosis. In this work, we uncover an intricate hierarchy of intestinal mucin (Muc2) assembly and show how complex rheological properties emerge from synergistic interactions between mucin glycoproteins, non-mucin proteins, and Ca²⁺. Using a novel method of mucus purifica

SUBMITTER: Meldrum OW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5895598 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature