Title:Pathological Implications of Mucin Signaling in Metastasis
Volume: 23
Issue: 8
Author(s): Suresh Sulekha Dhanisha and Chandrasekharan Guruvayoorappan*
Affiliation:
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Experimental
Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Research, Regional Cancer Centre, Medical College Campus, University of
Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, 695011, India
Keywords:
Mucin family, mucin domains, secretory mucins, transmembrane mucins, metastasis, biomarkers, therapeutic targets.
Abstract: The dynamic mucosal layer provides a selective protective barrier for the epithelial cells
lining the body cavities. Diverse human malignancies exploit their intrinsic role to protect and repair
epithelia for promoting growth and survival. Aberrant expression of mucin has been known to be associated
with poor prognosis of many cancers. However, the emergence of new paradigms in the
study of metastasis recognizes the involvement of MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC16
during metastasis initiation and progression. Hence mucins can be used as an attractive target in future
diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss in detail about mucin family and
its domains and the role of different mucins in regulating cancer progression and metastasis. In addition,
we briefly discuss insights into mucins as a therapeutic agent.