biostudies-literatureBartlett JANIDA NIH HHSNIDDK NIH HHSNHLBI NIH HHS501-8https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC4415896biostudies-literatureUnknown8(5)Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) is one of the most common diseases of early childhood. Susceptibility to otitis is influenced by a number of factors, including the actions of innate immune molecules secreted by the epithelia lining the nasopharynx, middle ear and Eustachian tube. The SPLUNC1 (short palate, lung, nasal epithelial clone 1) protein is a highly abundant secretory product of the mammalian nasal, oral and respiratory mucosa that is thought to play a multifunctional role in host defense. In this study we investigated Splunc1 expression in the ear of the mouse, and examined whether this protein contributes to overall host defense in the middle ear and/or Eustachian tube. We found that Splunc1 is highly expressed in both the surface epithelium and in submucosal glandsDisease models & mechanismsIncreased susceptibility to otitis media in a Splunc1-deficient mouse model.PMC4415896P01 HL-091842T32 HL007638P30 DK054759P01 HL091842F32 DA026265P50 HL061234P50 HL-61234Salzman NHBartlett JANaumann PWMeyerholz DKMcCray PBWohlford-Lenane CLfalseIncreased susceptibility to otitis media in a Splunc1-deficient mouse model.Otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear) is one of the most common diseases of early childhood. Susceptibility to otitis is influenced by a number of factors, including the actions of innate immune molecules secreted by the epithelia lining the nasopharynx, middle ear and Eustachian tube. The SPLUNC1 (short palate, lung, nasal epithelial clone 1) protein is a highly abundant secretory product of the mammalian nasal, oral and respiratory mucosa that is thought to play a multifunctional role in host defense. In this study we investigated Splunc1 expression in the ear of the mouse, and examined whether this protein contributes to overall host defense in the middle ear and/or Eustachian tube. We found that Splunc1 is highly expressed in both the surface epithelium and in submucosal glands2015-01-01T00:00:00Z2015 May2025-04-04T20:51:29.095Z2019-03-27T01:50:48ZS-EPMC44158962576546610.1242/dmm.019646