What is Mucin?
mucin is a type of protein produced by epithelial cells or tissue that lines the cavities and structure of the body. Mucina is found in all types of animals and it was found that about 19 different genes coded mucina in humans. The main task of these types of proteins is to produce and secrete gels into the body of the body. Proteins that are glycosylated have carbohydrate springs attached to them. There are many different molecules that are subject to glycosylation, but there are several key features of the process. First, it is always an enzyme or reaction. In addition, there is a molecule that donates carbohydrates, usually a type of nucleotide sugar and the reaction is very specific to the place, or the carbohydrate chain can only connect to a specific location on the receiving molecule.
Mucin molecule has two different areas that make up its structure. The very large central area consists of repeating sequences that can be anywhere from 10 to 80 amino acids. In the case of molecules mucin is at least half of youHTO amino acid serin or threonin. It is in this area that glycosylation with hundreds of carbohydrate chains associated with amino acids.
There are very little glycosylation at both ends of Mucin, but the areas have a large number of cysteines. Cysteine is a type of amino acid that is an integral part of two separate bindings of mucins. Mucina connects at each end of the production of disulphide bridges between the cysteine located on each mucin. The disulfide bridge is a type of binding that is formed when a few sulfur atoms bind together.
Mucina is a key component of most gel secretions in the body such as saliva. The functions of different molecules of mucin include lubrication; Method of signaling between cells; And the form of chemical barrier, often used for protection. Some animals also participate in bone creation. Finally, Mucina works with the immune system and bind to pathogens or cells that cause the disease.
A connection between excessive expression of some types of mucins and various cancer was found. In particular, excessive MUC1 expression is associated with a number of cancer, including colon cancer. Breasts, ovaries, pancreatic and pulmonary cancer are also associated with excessive expression of mucin molecules. It has also been found that some lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and cystic fibrosis are related to excessive Mucin expression.