Mucins as a New Frontier in Pulmonary Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease with a median survival of 3-5 years after diagnosis. Recent evidence identifies mucins as key effectors in cell growth and tissue remodeling processes compatible with the processes observed in IPF. Mucins are classified in two groups depending on whether they are secreted (secreted mucins) or tethered to cell membranes (transmembrane mucins). Secreted mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6-8 and MUC19) are released to the extracellular medium and recent evidence has shown that a promoter polymorphism in the secreted mucin MUC5B is associated with IPF risk. Otherwise, transmembrane mucins (MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC12-17 and MUC20) have a receptor-like structure, sensing the external environment and activ

SUBMITTER: Ballester B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6780288 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature