MUC5AC (Mucin 5AC / Gastric Mucin) Antibody [1-13M1]

Summary

Mucins are a group of high molecular weight glycoproteins consisting of a mucin core protein and O-linked carbohydrates. Mucin 6 carries GlcNAcα1→4Galβ→R structures, indicating that α1, 4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase is important to the formation of the mucous glycoproteins in vivo. Mucin 5AC is a gel-forming mucin that is secreted from surface mucous cells. Glucocorticoid is required for the expression of Mucin 5AC mRNA and high doses of hydrocortisone suppresses its expression. Additionally, asthmatic fluid stimulates Mucin 5AC synthesis several-fold. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNFα stimulate Mucin 5AC secretion and thus contribute to the upregulation of mucin by chronic inflammation. Expression of Mucin 5AC is retinoic acid (RA)- or retinol-dependent, and RA control of mucin genes is mediated by the retinoid acid receptor RARα and, to a lesser extent, by RARγ. Thyroid hormone binding to thyroid receptors inhibits Mucin 5AC gene expression. Mucin 5AC is also expressed in normal endocervical epithelium, small intestine, gastric cells (Lewis type 1) and gastric metaplasia and it is one of the major mucins in the ethmoid mucosa.