Gel-Forming Mucin MUC2

The MUC2 glycoprotein is one of the most extensively studied secreted gelforming mucins. The gene encoding this protein has been cloned, sequenced and analyzed both structurally and functionally. The exon/intron composition of the MUC2 gene has been established, and its transcription investigated. The transcriptional activity of the gene is controlled by promoter regulatory elements and by the epigenetic mechanism. Biosynthesis of the MUC2 protein precursor and its processing and maturation associated with posttranslational modifications, such as N- and Oglycosylation, sulfation, sialylation and posttranslational proteolysis, have been thoroughly studied. Expression of MUC2 gene has been analyzed in different organs, tissues and cells under physiological conditions, including embryogenesis and fetal development, and in different forms of pathology. The molecular biology aspects of the MUC2 glycoprotein functioning, as well as its biosynthesis, posttranslational modifications and expression are discussed

Keywords: MUC2, domain structure, biosynthesis, promoter, transcriptional regulation, expression, development, pathology.