Nuclei were prepared from the human colon mucin-producing tumor GW-39. The method described involves incubation in beta-mercaptoethanol under mild conditions and results in the preparation of nuclei free of the mucin web that initially enmeshes them. A sensitive colorimetric immunoassay was used to confirm that nuclei prepared in this fashion were generally free of contaminating mucin. This met...

Mucus synthesis by the human gall bladder EDITOR,-I was interested to read the papers by Rhodes and colleagues concerning mucus synthesis by the human gall bladder, its apparent inhibition by aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the suggestion that aspirin might prevent cholesterol gall stone formation by this action As gall bladder mucus glycoprotein (mucin) i...

We conducted this study to investigate whether baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin significantly affect MUC5AC mucin production induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) or phorbol ester (PMA) in human airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with varying concentrations of baicalin, baicalein or schizandrin for 30 min and then stimulated with EGF or PMA for 24 h, respecti...

Mucin desulfation is believed to be a rate-limiting step in mucin degradation by colon bacteria. The activities of enzymes hydrolysing nine linkages found in mucin oligosaccharide chains were measured using model substrates, in extracts of two mucin-degrading bacteria, Prevotella strain RS2 and Bacteroides fragilis. Sulfatases desulfating N-acetylglucosamine-6-sulfate, galactose-6-sulfate and g...

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant Helicobacter pylori is of concern in the treatment of H. pylori-associated gastroduodenal diseases. As the organism was reported to bind gastric mucin, we used porcine gastric mucin as substrate to assess the antiadhesive property of polysaccharides derived from Spirulina (PS), a commercially available microalga, against the binding of H. pylori to gastric ...

Our recent studies have demonstrated that AQP5 is involved in the metastatic potential of lung cancer. Here, our aim was to explore the effects of AQP5 expression on mucin production in lung adenocarcinoma. We tested MUC5AC and MUC5B mucin production induced by AQP5 expression in lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. Lung adenocarcinoma cells with different levels of AQP5 expression were used in this...

We have examined the biosynthesis of a low-molecular-mass mucin from rat submandibular gland (RSMG) expressed recombinantly in COS7 tissue culture cells, focusing primarily on the addition of carbohydrate to the protein core of the mucin. We find evidence for N-linked glycosylation, but this modification is not required for secretion of the mucin. Similarly, although the recombinant RSMG mucin,...

Mucins locate to the apical surfaces of all wet-surfaced epithelia including ocular surface. The functions of the mucins include anti-adhesive, lubrication, water retention, allergens and pathogen barrier function. Ocular surface pathologies, i.e. dry eye syndrome or allergic conjunctivitis, are reportedly associated with alteration of expression pattern of mucin components. Recent investigatio...

Abstract Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) refers to a growth disorder characterized by glycoprotein neoplasm in the peritoneum, where mucin oversecretion occurs. The tumors of appendix region are well associated with PMP; however, ovarian, colon, stomach, pancreas, and urachus have also been linked PMP. Other mucinous pelvis, paracolic gutters, greater omentum, retrohepatic space, Treitz ligament c...