'Soluble' and 'insoluble' mucins--identification of distinct populations

Extraction and Verification of Mouse and Human Mucins from Tissue and Fecal Material

Gel-forming mucins are highly O-glycosylated polymeric glycoproteins which have critical roles in tissue protection from environmental insult. To understand their biochemical properties, these samples must be extracted and enriched from biological samples. Here we describe how to extract and semi-purify human and murine mucins from intestinal scrapings or fecal material. As mucins have high molecular weights, traditional gel electrophoresis methods are unable to effectively separate these glycoproteins for analysis. We describe the procedure for making composite sodium dodecyl sulfate urea agarose-polyacrylamide (SDS-UAgPAGE) gels, which allows for accurate verification and band separation of extracted mucins.

JiangShi(僵尸): a widely distributed Mucin-like protein essential for Drosophila development

Epithelia exposed to elements of the environment are protected by a mucus barrier in mammals. This barrier also serves to lubricate during organ movements and to mediate substance exchanges between the environmental milieu and internal organs. A major component of the mucus barrier is a class of glycosylated proteins called Mucin. Mucin and mucin-related proteins are widely present in the animal kingdom. Mucin mis-regulation has been reported in many diseases such as cancers and ones involving the digestive and respiratory tracts. Although the biophysical properties of isolated Mucins have been extensively studied, in vivo models remain scarce for the study of their functions and regulations. Here, we characterize the Mucin-like JiangShi protein and its mutations in the fruit fly Drosophila. JiangShi is an extracellular glycoprotein with domain features reminiscent of mammalian nonmembranous Mucins, and one of the most widely distributed Mucin-like proteins studied in Drosophila. Both loss and over-production of JiangShi lead to terminal defects in adult structures and organismal death. Although the physiological function of JiangShi remains poorly defined, we present a genetically tractable model system for the in vivo studies of Mucin-like molecules.

Mutated Rnf43 Aggravates Helicobacter Pylori-Induced Gastric Pathology

The E3 ubiquitin ligase ring finger protein 43 (RNF43) is frequently mutated in gastric tumors and loss of RNF43 expression was suggested to be one of the key events during the transition from adenoma to gastric carcinoma. Functional studies on RNF43 have shown that it acts as a tumor suppressor by negatively regulating Wnt signaling. Interestingly, we observed that RNF43^H292R/H295R mice bearing two point mutations in the ring domain displayed thickening of the mucosa at early age but did not develop neoplasia. In this study, we infected these mice for 6 months with Helicobacter pylori, which has been described as one of the major risk factors for gastric cancer. Mice bearing mutant RNF43^H292R/H295R showed higher gastritis scores upon H. pylori infection compared to wild-type mice, accompanied by increased lymphocyte infiltration and Ifng levels. Furthermore, infected Rnf43 mutant mice developed atrophy, hyperplasia and MUC2 expressing metaplasia and displayed higher levels of the gastric stem cell marker CD44 and canonical NF-κB signaling. In summary, our results show that transactivating mutations in the tumor suppressor Rnf43 can worsen H. pylori induced pathology.

Ramifications of secreted mucin MUC5AC in malignant journey: a holistic view

Heavily glycosylated secreted mucin MUC5AC, by the virtue of its cysteine-rich repeats, can form inter- and intramolecular disulfide linkages resulting in complex polymers, which in turn craft the framework of the polymeric mucus gel on epithelial cell surfaces. MUC5AC is a molecule with versatile functional implications including barrier functions to epithelial cells, host-pathogen interaction, immune cell attraction to sites of premalignant or malignant lesions and tumor progression in a context-dependent manner. Differential expression, glycosylation and localization of MUC5AC have been associated with a plethora of benign and malignant pathologies. In this era of robust technologies, overexpression strategies and genetically engineered mouse models, MUC5AC is emerging as a potential diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic target for various malignancies. Considering the clinical relevance of MUC5AC, this review holistically encompasses its genomic organization, domain structure, glycosylation patterns, regulation, functional and molecular connotation from benign to malignant pathologies. Furthermore, we have here explored the incipient and significant experimental tools that are being developed to study this structurally complex and evolutionary conserved gel-forming mucin.

Different Glycoconjugate Content in Mucus Secreting Cells of the Rat Fundic Gastric Glands

The fundic glands of the stomach contain two types of mucous cells: surface mucous cells (SMCs) located at the surface of the stomach and the pits, and mucous neck cells (MNCs) situated in the neck of the glands. They produce mucins, highly glycosylated proteins. Very little is known about the glycan composition of these mucins and of gastric secretion in general. We used several lectins combined with deglycosylation pretreatments to analyze the glycan composition of SMCs and MNCs. The results showed the presence of terminal sialic acid and subterminal Gal and GalNAc, which is consistent with previous knowledge about glycosylation in mucins. Our results also support previous reports that showed a different expression of mucins in the SMCs, depending on their superficial or deep location in the pit. Some lectins labeled only the perinuclear region of the SMCs, but not the apical region, where the secretory granules are stored. This suggests that the lectins are labeling sugar residues that are accessible to lectins during the first steps of glycan synthesis, which occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. Our results indicate that SMCs and MNCs produce a mucus secretion with a different glycoconjugate composition. The secretion is more varied in SMCs. As our results coincide with what we know about glycosylation of mucins, we can conclude that most of the glycans detected belong to mucins, and the differences in glycosylation observed in each cell type may be due, mainly, to the different secreted mucins. Anat Rec, 301:2128-2144, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Serine protease(s) secreted by the nematode Trichuris muris degrade the mucus barrier

The polymeric mucin component of the intestinal mucus barrier changes during nematode infection to provide not only physical protection but also to directly affect pathogenic nematodes and aid expulsion. Despite this, the direct interaction of the nematodes with the mucins and the mucus barrier has not previously been addressed. We used the well-established Trichuris muris nematode model to investigate the effect on mucins of the complex mixture of immunogenic proteins secreted by the nematode called excretory/secretory products (ESPs). Different regimes of T. muris infection were used to simulate chronic (low dose) or acute (high dose) infection. Mucus/mucins isolated from mice and from the human intestinal cell line, LS174T, were treated with ESPs. We demonstrate that serine protease(s) secreted by the nematode have the ability to change the properties of the mucus barrier, making it more porous by degrading the mucin component of the mucus gel. Specifically, the serine protease(s) acted on the N-terminal polymerising domain of the major intestinal mucin Muc2, resulting in depolymerisation of Muc2 polymers. Importantly, the respiratory/gastric mucin Muc5ac, which is induced in the intestine and is critical for worm expulsion, was protected from the depolymerising effect exerted by ESPs. Furthermore, serine protease inhibitors (Serpins) which may protect the mucins, in particular Muc2, from depolymerisation, were highly expressed in mice resistant to chronic infection. Thus, we demonstrate that nematodes secrete serine protease(s) to degrade mucins within the mucus barrier, which may modify the niche of the parasite to prevent clearance from the host or facilitate efficient mating and egg laying from the posterior end of the parasite that is in intimate contact with the mucus barrier. However, during a T(H)2-mediated worm expulsion response, serpins, Muc5ac and increased levels of Muc2 protect the barrier from degradation by the nematode secreted protease(s).

Histamine regulates mucin expression through H1 receptor in airway epithelial cells

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that histamine up-regulates MUC2 gene regulation and mucin production in airway epithelial cells through histamine 1 receptor (H1R). Histamine appears to play an important role in the early phase of mucin regulation, which might be effectively blocked by an H1R antagonist.

OBJECTIVE

Histamine is an important inflammatory mediator during the early phase of allergic response and antihistamine is known to have an ability to reduce mucus secretion in inflamed airways. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of histamine on MUC2 gene expression and mucin secretion and to investigate the response to histamine 1 receptor (H1R) blocker in NCI-H292 cells and HM3-MUC2 cells.

METHODS

NCI-H292 cells, a human pulmonary mucoepidermoid carcinoma cell line, and HM3-MUC2 cells transfected with MUC2 promoter (-2,864/+19) pGL2 luciferase construct were used in the study. MUC2 mRNA expression was analyzed by RT-PCR for NCI-H292 cells and by luciferase assays for HM3-MUC2 cells. MUC2 protein production was determined by immunoassay and immunofluorescent stain in NCI-H292 cells.

RESULTS

Histamine increased MUC2 gene expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Peak response was reached at 12 h after histamine administration. MUC2 protein production was also dose-dependently increased, while it decreased with time in NCI-H292 cells. Pretreatment with histamine at a concentration of 1 mM induced MUC2 mRNAand protein production, which was equivalent to that caused by 10 µg/ml LPS, but less than that of 0.5 µM PMA. Histamine-induced MUC2 mRNA expression and mucin secretion were significantly suppressed by pretreatment with H1R antagonist.

Mucin gene deficiency in mice impairs host resistance to an enteric parasitic infection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hyperplasia of mucin-secreting intestinal goblet cells accompanies a number of enteric infections, including infections by nematode parasites. Nevertheless, the precise role of mucins in host defense in nematode infection is not known. We investigated the role of the mucin (Muc2) in worm expulsion and host immunity in a model of nematode infection.

METHODS

Resistant (BALB/c, C57BL/6), susceptible (AKR), and Muc2-deficient mouse strains were infected with the nematode, Trichuris muris, and worm expulsion, energy status of the whipworms, changes in mucus/mucins, and inflammatory and immune responses were investigated after infection.

RESULTS

The increase in Muc2 production, observed exclusively in resistant mice, correlated with worm expulsion. Moreover, expulsion of the worms from the intestine was significantly delayed in the Muc2-deficient mice. Although a marked impairment in the development of periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-stained intestinal goblet cells was observed in Muc2-deficient mice, as infection progressed a significant increase in the number of PAS-positive goblet cells was observed in these mice. Surprisingly, an increase in Muc5ac, a mucin normally expressed in the airways and stomach, was observed after infection of only the resistant animals. Overall, the mucus barrier in the resistant mice was less permeable than that of susceptible mice. Furthermore, the worms isolated from the resistant mice had a lower energy status.

CONCLUSIONS

Mucins are an important component of innate defense in enteric infection; this is the first demonstration of the important functional contribution of mucins to host protection from nematode infection.

Aberrant mucin assembly in mice causes endoplasmic reticulum stress and spontaneous inflammation resembling ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

MUC2 mucin produced by intestinal goblet cells is the major component of the intestinal mucus barrier. The inflammatory bowel disease ulcerative colitis is characterized by depleted goblet cells and a reduced mucus layer, but the aetiology remains obscure. In this study we used random mutagenesis to produce two murine models of inflammatory bowel disease, characterised the basis and nature of the inflammation in these mice, and compared the pathology with human ulcerative colitis.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

By murine N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis we identified two distinct noncomplementing missense mutations in Muc2 causing an ulcerative colitis-like phenotype. 100% of mice of both strains developed mild spontaneous distal intestinal inflammation by 6 wk (histological colitis scores versus wild-type mice, p < 0.01) and chronic diarrhoea. Monitoring over 300 mice of each strain demonstrated that 25% and 40% of each strain, respectively, developed severe clinical signs of colitis by age 1 y. Mutant mice showed aberrant Muc2 biosynthesis, less stored mucin in goblet cells, a diminished mucus barrier, and increased susceptibility to colitis induced by a luminal toxin. Enhanced local production of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma was seen in the distal colon, and intestinal permeability increased 2-fold. The number of leukocytes within mesenteric lymph nodes increased 5-fold and leukocytes cultured in vitro produced more Th1 and Th2 cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-13). This pathology was accompanied by accumulation of the Muc2 precursor and ultrastructural and biochemical evidence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in goblet cells, activation of the unfolded protein response, and altered intestinal expression of genes involved in ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and wound repair. Expression of mutated Muc2 oligomerisation domains in vitro demonstrated that aberrant Muc2 oligomerisation underlies the ER stress. In human ulcerative colitis we demonstrate similar accumulation of nonglycosylated MUC2 precursor in goblet cells together with ultrastructural and biochemical evidence of ER stress even in noninflamed intestinal tissue. Although our study demonstrates that mucin misfolding and ER stress initiate colitis in mice, it does not ascertain the genetic or environmental drivers of ER stress in human colitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Characterisation of the mouse models we created and comparison with human disease suggest that ER stress-related mucin depletion could be a fundamental component of the pathogenesis of human colitis and that clinical studies combining genetics, ER stress-related pathology and relevant environmental epidemiology are warranted.

Selective induction of mucin-3 by hypoxia in intestinal epithelia

Epithelial cells line mucosal surfaces (e.g., lung, intestine) and critically function as a semipermeable barrier to the outside world. Mucosal organs are highly vascular with extensive metabolic demands, and for this reason, are particularly susceptible to diminished blood flow and resultant tissue hypoxia. Here, we pursue the hypothesis that intestinal barrier function is regulated in a protective manner by hypoxia responsive genes. We demonstrate by PCR confirmation of microarray data and by avidin blotting of immunoprecipitated human Mucin 3 (MUC3), that surface MUC3 expression is induced in T84 intestinal epithelial cells following exposure to hypoxia. MUC3 RNA is minimally detectable while surface protein expression is absent under baseline normoxic conditions. There is a robust induction in both the mRNA (first evident by 8 h) and protein expression, first observed and maximally expressed following 24 h hypoxia. This is followed by a subsequent decline in protein expression, which remains well above baseline at 48 h of hypoxia. Further, we demonstrate that this induction of MUC3 protein is associated with a transient increase in the barrier restorative peptide, intestinal trefoil factor (ITF). ITF not only colocalizes with MUC3, by confocal microscopy, to the apical surface of T84 cells following exposure to hypoxia, but is also found, by co-immunoprecipitation, to be physically associated with MUC3, following 24 h of hypoxia. In exploration of the mechanism of hypoxic regulation of mucin 3 expression, we demonstrated by luciferase assay that the full-length promoter for mouse Mucin 3 (Muc3) is hypoxia-responsive with a 5.08 +/- 1.76-fold induction following 24 h of hypoxia. Furthermore, analysis of both the human (MUC3A) and mouse (Muc3) promoters revealed potential HIF-1 binding sites which were shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation to bind the pivotal hypoxia-regulating transcription factor HIF-1alpha. Taken together, these studies implicate the HIF-1alpha mediated hypoxic induced expression of mucin 3 and associated ITF in the maintenance of intestinal barrier function under hypoxic conditions.

Relationships between mucinous gastric carcinoma, MUC2 expression and survival

AIM: To investigate the expression of the four secreted gel-forming mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6) in a series of gastric carcinomas, classified according Laurén’s, Mulligan’s, WHO and Goseki’s classifications, with special attention to all the different components (major and minor) present in tumors and to follow up clinical data.

METHODS: Expression of MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6 was investigated using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

RESULTS: Expression of secreted gel-forming mucins in gastric carcinoma was particularly complex, each mucin being not restricted to any histopathological type even considering all components (major and minor) present in a given tumor. There was a worst survival in patients with a higher content of mucus (Goseki II or IV) and high positive MUC2 expression.

CONCLUSION: Complexity of mucin gene expression patterns in gastric cancer may reflect a precise state of differentiation at the cell level not recognized in used morphologic classification systems. High expression of MUC2 was nevertheless associated with mucinous subtype of the WHO classification and with group II of Goseki’s classification identified by the major component of a particular tumor. The quantity and quality of mucus were related to survival.

Mucins and TFF peptides of the tear film and lacrimal apparatus

The three-dimensional organization of the tear film, which is produced and drained by the different structures of the ocular adnexa, is essential for maintainance and protection of the ocular surface. This is facilitated by a class of large, highly glycosylated, hydrophilic glycoproteins, the mucins, which are usually expressed in association with a class of peptides having a well-defined, structurally conserved trefoil domain, the mammalian trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides. In this review, the latest information regarding mucin and TFF peptide function and regulation in the human lacrimal system, the tear film and the ocular surface is summarized with regard to mucous epithelia integrity, rheological and antimicrobial properties of the tear film and tear outflow, age-related changes and certain disease states such as dry eye, dacryostenosis and dacryolith formation.

THE BLADDER DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A DYNAMIC SECRETED CONTINUOUS MUCOUS GEL LAYER

PURPOSE

We determined whether the nature of any protective barrier in the bladder is composed of a secreted mucous gel layer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We collected 24-hour urine samples for analysis from 8 healthy 22 to 49-year-old volunteers and 5, 19 to 59-year-old patients treated with bladder reconstruction, in addition to scrapings from 100 freshly slaughtered pig bladders. Samples were subjected to homogenization, dialysis, freeze-drying, papain digestion, gel chromatography, equilibrium density gradient centrifugation, periodic acid-Schiff assay and amino acid analysis. Normal human bladder, pig bladder, normal ileum and transposed intestinal segments were studied for the presence of a mucous layer using a new method of histological analysis.

RESULTS

Mucin content in normal urine is 2.7 mg/24 hours, meaning that less than 0.6% of nondialyzable material in normal urine is mucin. The mucin content of urine from reconstructed bladders amounted to 86 mg/24 hours (5.2% of nondialyzable material). We observed that glycosaminoglycans accounted for 41% of the peak total elution volume of PAS positive material in normal urine. Mucin estimation in urine can be grossly overestimated if contaminating glycoconjugates are not removed. Biochemical analysis of material scraped off the pig bladder surface demonstrated that the maximum thickness of a continuous layer that could be achieved was 13.6 mum. While we could visualize an obvious mucous layer on control ileal samples and biopsies of transposed ileal segments from patients with bladder reconstruction, we were unable to note a distinct, measurable mucous layer lining the bladder surface in humans or pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

Mucin levels in normal human and pig urine would be enough for slow turnover of a thin barrier but the large increase in mucin in the urine of patients with transposed intestinal segments demonstrates that any layer in normal bladder is much different than that lining the transposed intestinal segment. The most likely constituents of this barrier are membrane bound rather than secreted mucins along with the proteoglycan components of the glycocalix.

Proteomic analysis of hyperdynamic mouse hearts with enhanced sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling

Depressed sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca-cycling is a hallmark of human and experimental heart failure. Strategies to improve this impairment by either increasing SERCA2a levels or decreasing phospholamban (PLN) activity have been suggested as promising therapeutic targets. Indeed, ablation of PLN gene in mice was associated with greatly enhanced cardiac Ca-cycling and performance. Intriguingly, this hyperdynamic cardiac function was maintained throughout the lifetime of the mouse without observable pathological consequences. To determine the cellular alterations in the expression or modification of myocardial proteins, which are associated with the enhanced cardiac contractility, we performed a proteomics-based analysis of PLN knockout (PLN-KO) hearts in comparison to isogenic wild-types. By use of 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), approximately 3300 distinct protein spots were detected in either wild-type or PLN-KO ventricles. Protein spots observed to be altered between PLN-KO and wild-type hearts were subjected to tryptic peptide mass fingerprinting for identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in combination with LC/MS/MS analysis. In addition, two-dimensional 32P-autoradiography was performed to analyze the phosphorylation profiles of PLN-KO cardiomyocytes. We identified alterations in the expression level of more than 100 ventricular proteins, along with changes in phosphorylation status of important regulatory proteins in the PLN-KO. These protein changes were observed mainly in two subcellular compartments: the cardiac contractile apparatus, and metabolism/energetics. Our findings suggest that numerous alterations in protein expression and phosphorylation state occurred upon ablation of PLN and that a complex functional relationship among proteins involved in calcium handling, myofibrils, and energy production may exist to coordinately maintain the hyperdynamic cardiac contractile performance of the PLN-KO mouse in the long term.

Adenosine up-regulation of the mucin gene, MUC2, in asthma

Mucus hypersecretion is a hallmark of asthma that contributes to airway obstruction. While the etiology is not well understood, hypersecretion has been linked to the presence of cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 in the inflamed airway. The presence of adenosine has also been noted in asthmatic airways, and adenosine-mediated signaling in mast cells has been implicated in the severe bronchoconstriction and inflammation prevalent in these patients (1, 2). Here we examine the possibility that adenosine also contributes to mucus hypersecretion by airway epithelial cells. Results in cultured airway epithelial cells showed that MUC2 mucin expression increased in response to adenosine. This appeared to be mediated by a pathway initiated at the adenosine A1 receptor that transduced signals through a Ca2+-activated Cl- channel and EGFR. That this signaling cascade is relevant to asthmatic hypersecretion was indicated by results showing that mucin induction by asthmatic tracheal aspirates was reduced by A1, CLCA1, and EGFR inhibitors. These results suggest that adenosine cooperates with inflammatory cytokines to stimulate mucin production in the asthmatic airway and supports the use of A1, CLCA1, and EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of asthma.

Mapping of SOMU1 and M1 Epitopes on the Apomucin Encoded by the 5′ End of the MUC5AC Gene

We have developed 11 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against human gastric mucin, (1-13M1, 2-11M1, 2-12M1, 9-13M1, 58M1, 19M1, 21M1, 45M1, 463M, 589M, 62M1), which specifically stained by immunohistochemisty both the human gastric surface mucosa and colon adenoma. Among them, five (19M1, 21M1, 463M, 589M, 62M1) immunoreacted with the peptide encoded by the 3' region of the MUC5AC gene (Nollet et al: Int J Cancer 2002;99:336-343). In this study, we identified in the 5' region of this gene the nucleotide fragments encoding peptides immunoreacting with three other anti-M1 MAbs (1-13M1, 2-11M1 and 9-13M1), as well as the SOMU1 MAb (Sotozono et al: J Immunol Methods 1996;192:187-196). 1-13M1 MAb immunoreacts with peptides, including the Cys 2 and Cys 4 domains. The SOMU1 MAb recognized the Cys 5 domain, and the MAbs 2-11M1 and 9-13M1 the globular D1/D2 and D3 domains, respectively. Using serial sections of the mucosae adjacent to colon adenocarcinomas and colon adenomas, we observed that the anti-M1 and anti-SOMU1 MAbs displayed the same immunostaining patterns. The three anti-M1 MAbs (2-12M1, 58M1, and 45M1) did not react with the products of the MUC5AC gene tested until now. The MUC5AC apomucin is now well characterized by MAbs immunoreacting against seven different epitopes belonging to the different main cystein globular domains of this macromolecule. Such antibodies are useful tools for studying the biosynthesis, polymerization, and degradation of mucin.

Requirement of both mucins and proteoglycans in cell-cell dissociation and invasiveness of colon carcinoma HT-29 cells

Human colon carcinomas are characterized by an aberrant expression of mucins, which in some case leads to an abundant presence of mucus such as in mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. Cellular cloning of the human colon carcinoma cell line HT-29 (HT-29 STD), which is mainly composed of undifferentiated cells, yielded a highly mucin-secreting variant (HT-29 5M21). The latter cloned cells cultured on plastic display a polarized organization with an apical secretion of MUC5AC mucin (Lesuffleur et al., Int J Cancer 1998;76:383-92.). Our aim was to study these 2 cell-types as for the invasive and adhesive properties with regard to the function of E-cadherin. HT-29 STD cells were noninvasive in collagen type I, whereas HT-29 5M21 cells were invasive, and the latter behavior was connected to a loss of function of E-cadherin. Likewise, HT-29 5M21 cells were characterized by a cell-cell adhesion independent of E-cadherin, in contrast to the E-cadherin dependent cell-cell adhesion of HT-29 STD cells. Immunofluorescence of HT-29 5M21 cells cultured on collagen type I showed the disappearance of the polarized organization, with a redistribution of apical mucins to the entire cell surface. Treatment of HT-29 5M21 cells by 1-benzyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside (GalNAcalpha-O-bn) or by beta-D-xyloside revealed that both mucins and proteoglycans were involved in the loss of E-cadherin function. The use of specific antibodies allowed to show that MUC5AC, MUC1 and heparan sulfate proteoglycans cooperated in the formation of a biological inhibitory complex towards the function of E-cadherin in this invasive HT-29 clone.

A high-density putative monomeric mucin is the major [35S]labelled macromolecular product of human colorectal mucins in organ culture

We have studied the biosynthesis of mucins in organ cultures of human colon using isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation following pulse labelling with [(35)S]sulphate and [(3)H]-D-glucosamine. A high-density [(35)S]sulphate labelled component, of larger size than MUC2 monomers, appeared in the tissue and also in the medium. It was not degraded by reduction, trypsin digestion, digestion with chondroitin ABC lyase or heparan sulphate III lyase, but was cleaved into smaller fragments following alkaline borohydride treatment and appears to be a monomeric, mucin-like molecule containing a protease-resistant domain with a larger hydrodynamic volume than MUC2 monomers. Although this macromolecule incorporated much more radiolabel than MUC2, it was not detected using chemical analysis and thus appears to be a component with a high metabolic turnover present in a very small amount. Most of the [(3)H]-D-glucosamine label was associated with low-density material that was well separated from MUC2, which was poorly labelled. Most of MUC2 was associated with the tissue as an 'insoluble' complex. The amount of MUC2 remained constant and its associated radiolabel increased only slightly with time. Analysis of the MUC2 subunits from the reduced 'insoluble' complex showed the typical reduction-insensitive oligomers and confirmed that the radiolabel was associated with this mucin. The large size of the [(35)S]-labelled putative monomeric mucin makes it difficult to separate it from reduced insoluble complex MUC2. As a result, many studies of intestinal mucin synthesis and secretion in the past have most likely been performed on 'mixtures' of this mucin and MUC2 and are thus not possible to interpret as the metabolic behaviour of oligomeric mucins.

Gastric MUC5AC and MUC6 are large oligomeric mucins that differ in size, glycosylation and tissue distribution

Gastric MUC5AC and MUC6 mucins were studied using polyclonal antibodies. Immunohistochemistry showed MUC5AC to originate from the surface epithelium, whereas MUC6 was produced by the glands. Mucins from the surface epithelium or glands of corpus and antrum were purified using CsCl/4M guanidinium chloride density-gradient centrifugation. MUC5AC appeared as two distinct populations at 1.4 and 1.3 g/ml, whereas MUC6, which was enriched in the gland tissue, appeared at 1.45 g/ml. Reactivity with antibodies against the Le(b) structure (where Le represents the Lewis antigen) followed the MUC5AC distribution, whereas antibodies against the Le(y) structure and reactivity with the GlcNAc-selective Solanum tuberosum lectin coincided with MUC6, suggesting that the two mucins are glycosylated differently. Rate-zonal centrifugation of whole mucins and reduced subunits showed that both gastric MUC5AC and MUC6 are oligomeric glycoproteins composed of disulphide-bond linked subunits and that oligomeric MUC5AC was apparently smaller than MUC6. A heterogeneous population of 'low-density' MUC5AC mucins, which were smaller than the 'high-density' ones both before and after reduction, reacted with an antibody against a variable number tandem repeat sequence within MUC5AC, suggesting that they represent precursor forms of this mucin. Following ion-exchange HPLC, both MUC5AC and MUC6 appeared as several distinct populations, probably corresponding to 'glycoforms' of the mucins, the most highly charged of which were found in the gland tissue.

N-terminal cleavage of the salivary MUC5B mucin. Analogy with the Van Willebrand propolypeptide?

Sequence similarities between the oligomeric mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B) and the von Willebrand factor suggest that they may be assembled in a similar way. After oligomerization, a fragment corresponding to the D1 and D2 domains is released from the von Willebrand factor. This cleavage does not appear to occur in pig submaxillary mucin, the only mammalian mucin in which this cleavage has been examined thus far, but whether other oligomeric mucins undergo N terminus proteolysis is not known. Antibodies recognizing the D1, D2, D3, and the first Cys domains in MUC5B were established and used to investigate to what extent proteolytic cleavage occurs within the N-terminal part of salivary MUC5B. The antibodies against the D1 and D2 domains identified a polypeptide corresponding in size to a MUC5B fragment generated by cleavage within the D' domain analogously with the von Willebrand factor propolypeptide. The antibodies did not recognize the main mucin population, suggesting that the major part of salivary MUC5B is subjected to this cleavage. An antibody recognizing the D3 domain was used to reveal a second cleavage site in the "soluble" but not in the "insoluble" MUC5B fraction: the first structural difference observed between soluble and insoluble salivary MUC5B. The identification of these cleavage events shows that the N-terminal sites for MUC5B oligomerization are present in the D3 domain and/or in domains located C-terminal to this part of the molecule.

Differential expression of the chromosome 11 mucin genes in colorectal cancer

The four secretory mucin genes clustered on chromosome 11, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC6, were screened in 37 patients with cancers in the left hemi-colon or rectum and 10 normal rectal controls. The mucin genes were detected by in situ hybridization using oligonucleotide probes to the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) sequences, while the proteins were stained with non-VNTR (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B) or VNTR (MUC6) antibodies. Low levels of MUC2 mRNA were detected in non-mucinous adenocarcinomas (5/27) while a higher proportion of mucinous carcinomas (4/9) was positive. All 25 cases of adjacent normal tissue expressed MUC2 mRNA. No transcripts for MUC5AC, MUC5B or MUC 6 were detected in any of these specimens. MUC2 protein product was detected immunohistochemically in 34/36 carcinoma specimens, with no change from normal controls. There was de novo expression of MUC5AC in 23/36 carcinomas. No MUC5B or MUC6 protein was detected. No difference in MUC2 and MUC5AC protein was found between mucinous and non-mucinous carcinomas. The level of MUC2 was increased in moderately differentiated cancers compared with normal controls and decreased in the poorly differentiated group. Decreased MUC2 was found in poorly differentiated compared with moderately differentiated tumours. More MUC5AC protein was detected in well and moderately differentiated tumours than in poorly differentiated tumours and in all tumours relative to controls. The pattern of MUC2 staining in cancers was different from control tissue, with strong staining in the perinuclear region and none in goblet cell vesicles. MUC5AC staining was mainly detected in the cytoplasm. Poor detection of MUC2 and MUC5AC mRNA and associated strong staining for the total protein suggests altered biosynthesis and processing, leading to the characteristic subcellular distribution. Hence, change in the synthesis of MUC2 and the de novo appearance of MUC5AC in colorectal carcinomas may be significant events in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence, with possible implications for tumour prognosis.

Specific secretion of gel-forming mucins and TFF peptides in HT-29 cells of mucin-secreting phenotype

Trefoil factor family (TFF) peptides are typical secretory products of mucin-producing cells, e.g. of the gastrointestinal tract. Here, the expression and secretion of mucins and TFF peptides was studied in the HT-29 cell line throughout cellular growth and differentiation in relation to a mucin-secreting (HT-29 MTX) or an enterocyte-like (HT-29 G(-)) phenotype. mRNAs of several MUC and TFF genes were expressed in both cell subpopulations. However, for most MUC and TFF genes, the expression appeared strongly induced with the differentiation into the mucin-secreting phenotype. On the other hand, TFF2 was specifically expressed in the mucin-secreting HT-29 MTX cells. The differentiation of HT-29 MTX cells into the mucin-secreting phenotype was characterised by secretion of the gel-forming mucins MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B, however, according to a different pattern in the course of differentiation. A significant amount of TFF1 and TFF3 was secreted after differentiation, also according to a different pattern, whereas TFF2 was only faintly detected. Secretagogues, known to induce the secretion of mucus, increased the secretion of all three TFF peptides. In contrast, neither a secretory mucin nor a TFF peptide was found in the culture medium of HT-29 G(-) cells. Overlay assays indicated that HT-29 MTX mucins bound to secretory peptides of HT-29 MTX cells with relative molecular mass similar to TFF peptides. TFF1 and TFF3 were specifically localised in the mucus layer of HT-29 MTX cells by confocal microscopy. Finally, the secretion of TFF peptides and mucins appears as a co-ordinated process which only occurs after differentiation into goblet cell-like phenotype.

Characterization of mucins from cultured normal human tracheobronchial epithelial cells

Early-passage normal human tracheobronchial epithelial (NHTBE) cells grown in air-liquid interface cultures in medium containing retinoids differentiate into a mucociliary epithelium over a 2- to 3-wk period and express increasing mRNA levels of the airway mucin genes MUC5AC and MUC5B as the cultures age; the levels of MUC2 mRNA were very low throughout the study. Using specific antibodies to MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins, we noted a gradual increase in these two mucins in the intracellular and apically secreted pools as a function of time. A low level of MUC2 mucin was detected, which did not change with time. The intracellular and apically secreted mucins isolated from day 14 and day 21 cultures by density gradient centrifugation were similar in density to those previously isolated from human respiratory mucus secretions. The sedimentation rate of the apically secreted mucins indicated that they were highly oligomerized, polydisperse macromolecules similar to those previously documented from in vivo secretions. In contrast, the cell-associated mucins from the cultured NHTBE cells were much smaller, possibly only monomers and dimers. Anion-exchange chromatography detected no differences in charge density between the reduced and carboxymethylated cell-associated and secreted forms of the MUC5AC and MUC5B mucins. The MUC5AC mucin was of similar charge density to its in vivo counterpart; however, MUC5B was more homogeneous than that found in vivo. Finally, evidence is presented for an intracellular NH(2)-terminal cleavage of the MUC5B mucins. These studies indicate that the mucins produced by cultured NHTBE cells are similar to those found in human airways, suggesting that this cell culture model is suited for studies of respiratory mucin biosynthesis, processing, and assembly.

Preliminary study pointing out a significant alteration in the biochemical composition of MUC2 in colorectal mucinous carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we characterized colonic MUC2 mucin from a mucinous carcinoma cell line and tried to find out carcinoma-associated alterations by comparing the results with those obtained from its benign phenotype previously.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The molecular size distribution of the extracted molecules and their reactivity with two different MUC2 polypeptide antibodies indicated the presence of precursor and mature forms of the mucin in both cell lines. Isopycnic density gradient centrifugation gave good resolution of mature and precursor forms of MUC2 as assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Using this approach, we compared the different forms of MUC2 between benign and malign colonic cells.

RESULTS

In the comparison, we detected some aberrant glycosylated MUC2 molecules in mucinous carcinoma cell line. Agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of the low-density fractions indicated that these molecules are more charged than precursors, however, they are smaller and/or less glycosylated than mature MUC2 molecules.

CONCLUSION

The identification of unusual partially glycosylated forms of the major colonic mucin MUC2 is novel and unexpected. Implication of defective processes in the post translational modification/ processing of MUC2 opens a new field in the cancer mucin biology.

Secretagogue response of goblet cells and columnar cells in human colonic crypts

Crypts of Lieberkühn were isolated from human colon, and differential interference contrast microscopy distinguished goblet and columnar cells. Activation with carbachol (CCh, 100 microM) or histamine (10 microM) released contents from goblet granules. Stimulation with prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2), 5 microM) or adenosine (10 microM) did not release goblet granules but caused the apical margin of columnar cells to recede. Goblet volume was lost during stimulation with CCh or histamine ( approximately 160 fl/cell), but not with PGE(2) or adenosine. Three-quarters of goblet cells were responsive to CCh but released only 30% of goblet volume. Half-time for goblet volume release was 3.7 min. PGE(2) stimulated a prolonged fluid secretion that attained a rate of approximately 350 pl/min. Columnar cells lost approximately 50% of apical volume during maximal PGE(2) stimulation, with a half-time of 3.3 min. In crypts from individuals with ulcerative colitis, goblet cells were hypersensitive to CCh for release of goblet volume. These results support separate regulation for mucus secretions from goblet cells and from columnar cells, with control mechanisms restricting total release of mucus stores.

Secreted human conjunctival mucus contains MUC5AC glycoforms

This study addresses the extent of variation in secreted end-product mucins in human conjunctival mucus. The aim was to determine whether the variety of mucin species found was encompassed by the mucin genes which have been cloned to date. Extraction into guanidine hydrochloride and separation of mucin constituents, by a combination of cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation, size separation on Sepharose CL-2B, MonoQ ion exchange chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis, demonstrates a complex mixture of mucins. Sample size limitations precluded compositional amino acid analysis. MUC 5AC and MUC1, 2, and 4 are all detected in the buoyant density range 1.3-1.5 g/ml by antibody binding. The mucins vary in size from >40 x 10(6)to <97 x 10(3)Da. A wide range of molecular size was confirmed using rate zonal centrifugation. The presence of smaller species contrasts with other mucous secretions similarly studied. In each size range are low, medium, and high charge mucins. Sialylation predominates in the medium charge and sulfate in the high charge. Only MUC5AC cross-reactivity is maintained throughout the analysis. It is detected in large and medium sized mucins but accounts for only the least mobile mucins within copurified species of similar density, size, and charge resolved using agarose electrophoresis. MUC5AC cross-reactivity is also detected in both medium and high charge species, indicating the presence of glycoforms.

Secretagogue response of goblet cells and columnar cells in human colonic crypts

Crypts of Lieberkühn were isolated from human colon, and differential interference contrast microscopy distinguished goblet and columnar cells. Activation with carbachol (CCh, 100 microM) or histamine (10 microM) released contents from goblet granules. Stimulation with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 5 microM) or adenosine (10 microM) did not release goblet granules but caused the apical margin of columnar cells to recede. Goblet volume was lost during stimulation with CCh or histamine (approximately 160 fl/cell), but not with PGE2 or adenosine. Three-quarters of goblet cells were responsive to CCh but released only 30% of goblet volume. Half-time for goblet volume release was 3.7 min. PGE2 stimulated a prolonged fluid secretion that attained a rate of approximately 350 pl/min. Columnar cells lost approximately 50% of apical volume during maximal PGE2 stimulation, with a half-time of 3.3 min. In crypts from individuals with ulcerative colitis, goblet cells were hypersensitive to CCh for release of goblet volume. These results support separate regulation for mucus secretions from goblet cells and from columnar cells, with control mechanisms restricting total release of mucus stores.

Mucin gene expression in the rat middle ear: an improved method for RNA harvest

Mucins are heavily glycosylated proteins characterized by high molecular weight and heterogeneous structure. Mucin genes are expressed in a tissue- or epithelium-specific manner. Although mucins are known to be important structural components of the mucociliary transport system that protects epithelium against invading microorganisms, very little is known about mucin gene expression unique to the middle ear. This study demonstrated that middle ear messenger RNA specifically hybridized with rat MUC2 and human MUC2 (SMUC-41) complementary DNA probes. MUC3 and MUC5AC mucin genes, dominantly expressed in rodent intestine and trachea, were not detected in the rat middle ears in this study. The middle ear MUC2 messenger RNA harvested by lavage was characterized by a single transcript--unlike its counterpart in intestine and airways, which is characterized by polydispersity--suggestive of a better method for RNA analysis. It was concluded that rat middle ears possess a MUC2 mucin gene or homologue of human MUC2 (SMUC-41).

Studies on the "insoluble" glycoprotein complex from human colon. Identification of reduction-insensitive MUC2 oligomers and C-terminal cleavage

The "insoluble" glycoprotein complex was isolated from human colonic tissue and mucin subunits were prepared following reduction. Antibodies raised against peptide sequences within MUC2 revealed that virtually all of this mucin occurs in the insoluble glycoprotein complex. In addition, reduction released a 120-kDa C-terminal MUC2 fragment, showing that proteolytic cleavage in this domain may occur and leave the fragment attached to the complex via disulfide bonds. The variable number tandem repeat region and the irregular repeat domain were isolated after trypsin digestion and shown to have molecular weights of 930,000 and 180,000, respectively, suggesting a molecular weight for the entire MUC2 monomer of approximately 1.5 million. Gel chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis revealed several populations of MUC2 subunits, and analytical ultracentrifugation showed that these have molecular weights on the order of 2 million, 4 million, and 5 million, corresponding to monomers, dimers, and trimers, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis of subunits from individuals expressing both a "long" and a "short" MUC2 allele revealed a larger number of populations, consistent with the presence of short and long monomers and oligomers arising from permutations of the two types of monomers. In addition to disulfide bonds, MUC2 monomers are apparently joined by a "novel," reduction-insensitive bond.

Strategic biochemical analysis of mucins

MUC-type mucins comprise a family of structurally related molecules, which are expressed in epithelia of the body that are in close contact with the milieu. Because of their large sizes and very complex structures, containing very extensive O-glycosylation, MUC-type mucins are difficult to study by conventional techniques. Many see MUC-type mucins as protective molecules; however, functional studies on the individual MUC-type mucins are very scarce. At present, essential steps in MUC research are to characterize the specific expression patterns of each MUC-type mucin in the body and to find methods to reliably quantify these MUC-type mucins. These aims can only be met at the level of the primary sequences of the MUC-type mucins, as the O-glycosylation even within one species of MUC-type mucin is not only very complex, but may also vary among individuals, organs, and cell types. We will discuss some recent advances in mucin research, particularly the identification of MUC precursor molecules in metabolic labeling experiments. We will try to define some strategic considerations in the study of the expression patterns of MUC-type mucins, which circumvent the complications caused by the very complex and heterogeneous O-glycosylation of the molecules.

MUC5B is a major gel-forming, oligomeric mucin from human salivary gland, respiratory tract and endocervix: identification of glycoforms and C-terminal cleavage

Mucins from human whole saliva, as well as from respiratory- and cervical-tract secretions, were subjected to density-gradient centrifugation in CsCl/0.5 M guanidinium chloride. A polydisperse population of MUC5B mucins was demonstrated in all samples using anti-peptide antisera (LUM5B-2, LUM5B-3 and LUM5B-4) raised against sequences within the MUC5B mucin. The sequences recognized by the LUM5B-2 and LUM5B-3 antisera are located within the domains flanking the highly glycosylated regions of MUC5B, and reduction increased the reactivity with these antibodies, suggesting that the epitopes are partially shielded and that these regions are folded and stabilized by disulphide bonds. Rate-zonal centrifugation before and after reduction showed MUC5B to be a large oligomeric mucin composed of disulphide-linked subunits. In saliva and respiratory-tract secretions, populations of MUC5B mucins with different charge densities were identified by ion-exchange HPLC, suggesting the presence of MUC5B 'glycoforms'. In trachea, the F2 monoclonal antibody against the sulpho-Lewis C structure reacted preferentially with the later-to-be-eluted populations. An antibody (LUM5B-4) recognizing a sequence in the C-terminal domain of MUC5B identified, after reduction, the mucin subunits as well as smaller fragments, suggesting that some of the MUC5B mucins are cleaved within the C-terminal domain. Immunohistochemistry revealed that MUC5B is produced by cells dispersed throughout the human submandibular and sublingual glands, in the airway submucosal glands as well as the goblet cells, and in the epithelium and glands of the endocervix. The F2 antibody stained a subpopulation of the MUC5B-producing cells in the airway submucosal glands, suggesting that different cells may produce different glycoforms of MUC5B in this tissue.

Biosynthesis of mucins in bovine trachea: identification of the major radiolabelled species

Bovine trachea in organ culture secretes mucus containing a 'high-density' (1.46 g/ml) and a 'low-density' (1.37 g/ml) mucin similar to those identified previously in bovine respiratory secretions [Hovenberg, Carlstedt and Davies (1997) Biochem. J. 321, 117-123]. After pulse-labelling, autoradiography showed uptake of [35S]sulphate by both epithelial goblet cells and submucosal glands, while [3H]proline was mainly incorporated into the ciliated surface epithelial cells. After 24 h of radiolabelling, neither the high- nor the low-density mucin in the secreted mucus gel was heavily radiolabelled with the precursors. In contrast, a population of molecules banding at 1.50 g/ml was heavily radiolabelled with [35S]sulphate. This component was smaller than the high-density mucin from the mucus gel and was insensitive to reduction or digestion with chondroitin ABC lyase or heparan sulphate lyase. The molecules yielded two populations of high-Mr glycopeptides upon trypsin digestion, were sensitive to keratanase and endo-beta-galactosidase digestion and contained O-linked glycans. Extracts of the surface epithelium and submucosal tissue after radiolabelling showed that the high- and low-density mucins in the tissue were also poorly radiolabelled. Thus, under these conditions, the radiolabelled precursors were not effectively incorporated into the large oligomeric mucins but into a high-Mr monomeric species. This study suggests that data obtained in investigations where mucins are radiolabelled and studied without further separation into distinct components may rather reflect the turnover of this 'novel' monomeric species than the large oligomeric mucins.

Mucus glycoproteins from pig gastric mucosa: different mucins are produced by the surface epithelium and the glands

An antibody (PGM2B) recognizing a pig gastric-mucin apoprotein reacts with the surface epithelium of pig gastric mucosa. Virtually no reactivity was observed over the mucin-producing cells in the glands, which were recognized by the GlcNAc-selective Griffonia simplicifolia II (GSA-II) lectin. Mucins from the glandular tissue of the cardiac region, corpus and antrum were purified using isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation in CsCl/guanidinium chloride. In the cardiac region, two major mucin populations at 1.5 and 1.4 g/ml were identified. The high-density population reacted preferentially with the PGM2B antibody and resembled mucins from the surface epithelium of this region, whereas the low-density population reacted strongly with the GSA-II lectin and appeared to originate from the glands. In the glandular tissue of corpus, a component with strong GSA-II lectin reactivity, which was distinctly different from the surface mucins from this region, was found at 1.4 g/ml, thus resembling the gland component from the cardiac region. Mucins from antrum glandular tissue contained at least two GSA-II lectin-reactive populations banding at 1.5 and 1.4 g/ml, respectively. Gland mucins from all regions were large oligomeric glycoproteins and heterogeneous with respect to charge properties, as shown by using rate-zonal centrifugation and ion-exchange HPLC, respectively. Gel chromatography of mucin glycopeptides showed that gland mucins from antrum and corpus contained significantly longer glycosylated domains than those from the surface mucosa. Thus, mucins from pig gastric glandular tissue comprise a number of large and oligomeric glycoproteins that differ from those from the surface epithelium in buoyant density, apoprotein structure and carbohydrate substitution.

MUC3 human intestinal mucin. Analysis of gene structure, the carboxyl terminus, and a novel upstream repetitive region

MUC3 is a large mucin glycoprotein expressed by the human intestine and gall bladder. In this manuscript, we present details of the deduced protein structure of MUC3. The MUC3 carboxyl-terminal domain is 617 residues in length, including 511 residues of a non-repetitive mucin-like domain (27% Thr, 22% Ser, and 11% Pro) and a 106-residue Cys-rich domain with homology to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) -like structural motifs found in many proteins. The region of MUC3 located upstream of the previously described 51-base pair (bp) tandem repeats, which encode a major Ser and Thr-rich domain, consists of a second type of repetitive structure with an imperfect periodicity of approximately 1125 bp. This domain is also mucin-like and appears to be considerably larger than 2000 residues (6000 bp). The MUC3 gene itself is large and complex. Using pulse field gel electrophoresis and blot analysis, the smallest fragment found that contained all human genomic DNA hybridizing to the 51-bp tandem repeat probe was 200 kilobases with restriction enzyme SwaI. Both PvuII and PstI produced two sets of hybridizing fragments that were hypervariable within the human population with a pattern suggestive of both a variation in the number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and sequence polymorphism. These fragments varied independently of each other, but no genetic recombination was detected in a study of 40 human families. Thus, the MUC3 gene encodes a very large glycoprotein with a structure very different from that of any mucin currently described.

Ocular mucins: Purification, metabolism and functions

Mucins are present at the ocular surface in both secreted and membrane-bound forms. Mucins are produced in partby the conjunctial goblet cells, and are complemented by non-globet secretions. This review focuses on secreted ocular mucins. They are present in the tear film, probably both in gel and soluble form, and play a role in lubrication and ocular defense. It is apparent that mucins are highly adapted to their functions. State of the art techniques for mucin purification and analysis are presented. Density gradient centrifugation, gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and agarose gel electrophoresis are discussed, together with methods of oliogosaccharide analysis. Reagents for the detection of mucin are considered in conjunction with these methods, which we have employed in the analysis of human and canine ocular mucins. The general structure of mucins is reviewed. The biosyntheas and glycosylation of ocular mucins are not yet fully understood, and are discussed in relation to currently established concepts. The impaact of disease on the nature and secretion of mucins is considered, as well as the physiological and pathological significance of mucus degradation.

Mucus glycoproteins from pig gastric mucosa: identification ofdifferent mucin populations from the surface epithelium

Pig gastric mucins were isolated from the surface epithelium of the cardiac region, corpus and antrum using density-gradient centrifugation after extraction in 6 M guanidinium chloride. In CsCl/0.5 M guanidinium chloride, mucins solubilized from the cardiac region appeared as a broad unimodal band at 1.52 g/ml whereas those from the corpus and antrum occurred as high- and low-density populations at 1.50 and 1.45 g/ml respectively. High-iron diamine reacted more strongly with the cardiac mucins and the high-density populations from corpus and antrum than with the two low-density ones. In keeping with this, approx. 60% of the oligosaccharides from the former mucins and 20% from the latter contained sulphate. All surface epithelial cells of the cardiac region stained with high-iron diamine, whereas in the corpus only the epithelium in the bottom of the pits reacted, suggesting that the high-density population from this region originates from these cells. Mucins from all regions were composed of subunits, each containing highly glycosylated domains. The mucins from the cardiac region were larger than those from the corpus and antrum, and reduced subunits as well as high-molecular-mass glycopeptides from the cardiac mucins were larger than the corresponding fragments from the other regions. Ion-exchange HPLC showed that reduced subunits from the cardiac mucins and the high-density populations from the corpus and antrum were more 'acidic' than reduced subunits from the two low-density ones. All mucins contained a 'neutral'fraction, in particular those from the antrum. Pig gastric mucus thus contains a number of distinctly different mucin populations varying in buoyant density, size, 'acidity', glycosylation, sulphation and tissue origin.

Glycosylation differences between pig gastric mucin populations: a comparative study of the neutral oligosaccharides using mass spectrometry

Five mucin populations were isolated from the cardiac region,corpus and antrum of pig gastric mucosa. The released neutral oligosaccharides were permethylated and analysed using high-temperature gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as matrix-assisted laser-desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Thirty different oligosaccharides with up to six monosaccharide residues were characterized using both techniques, but the presence of an additional 49 structures was suggested on the basis of their molecular mass by MALDI-MS. Oligosaccharides based on core-1 (Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-) and core-2 [Galbeta1-3(GlcNAcbeta1-6)GalNAcalpha1-] structures were widely distributed, whereas core-3 structures (GlcNAcbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-) were present only in mucins from the cardiac region and corpus, and core-4 structures [GlcNAcbeta1-3(GlcNAcbeta1-6)GalNAcalpha1-] were present exclusively in mucins from the cardiac region. Furthermore the oligosaccharides from one of the mucins from the corpus were significantly longer than those from the other populations. The results illustrate vast structural diversity, but the relative abundances show only a few dominating structures, suggesting that many oligosaccharides may be quite rare in pig gastric mucins. Well-defined mucin populations with distinctly different glycosylation can thus be identified in pig stomach, suggesting that glycosylation of the large secreted mucins from this tissue is not a random event.

Mucus glycoproteins in bovine trachea: identification of the major mucin populations in respiratory secretions and investigation of their tissue origins

Bovine respiratory secretions were separated into gel and sol phases to allow the identification of the gel-forming mucins. Mucins were subsequently isolated from the surface epithelium and submucosal tissue to investigate the tissue origins of the species in the secretions. Density-gradient centrifugation revealed 'high-density' and 'low-density' mucins in the gel phase of the secretions. The 'high-density' mucins were large, composed of subunits joined by disulphide bonds and contained two highly glycosylated domains of apparently different lengths, whereas the 'low-density' mucins were smaller and monomeric. The sol also contained both 'high-density' and 'low-density' species. A 'high-density' mucin similar to that in the gel was isolated from the surface epithelium, suggesting that the goblet cells produce large, gel-forming mucins. A second 'high-density' species was released from the submucosal tissue after reduction/alkylation, indicating that large mucins from the submucosal glands may also be a component of the mucus gel. In addition, two small, 'low-density' mucins were obtained from the submucosal tissue. One species was associated with the gel phase but was also present in the sol, whereas the other was present only in the sol. Bovine respiratory-tract secretions thus comprise a complex mixture of large gel-forming mucins originating from the goblet cells and submucosal glands, and smaller 'soluble' species from the submucosal glands which may interact with the gel.

MUC5AC, but not MUC2, is a prominent mucin in respiratory secretions

Airway mucus was collected from healthy and chronic bronchitic subjects. The chronic bronchitic sputum was separated into gel and sol phase by centrifugation and mucins were isolated using isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation in CsCl. The presence of the MUC5AC and MUC2 mucins was investigated with antisera raised against synthetic peptides with sequences from the respective apoproteins. The gel and sol phase of chronic bronchitic sputum as well as healthy respiratory secretions were shown to contain MUC5AC whereas the MUC2 mucin could not be detected. Rate-zonal centrifugation showed that the MUC5AC mucin was large, polydisperse in size and that reduction yielded subunits. Ion-exchange HPLC revealed the presence of two subunit populations in all secretions, the MUC5AC subunits always being the more acidic. MUC5AC is thus the first large, subunit-based, gel-forming respiratory mucin identified and this glycoprotein is biochemically distinct from at least one other population of large, gel-forming mucins also composed of subunits but lacking a genetic identity.

Different mucins are produced by the surface epithelium and the submucosa in human trachea: identification of MUC5AC as a major mucin from the goblet cells

Mucins were extracted from the epithelial surface and the submucosal tissue of human trachea in order to enrich glycoproteins from the goblet cells and the submucosal glands respectively. The macromolecules were purified using density-gradient centrifugation, and the presence of the MUC5AC mucin was investigated using an antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide based on the sequence of the MUC5AC apoprotein. Mucins from the surface epithelium showed a higher reactivity with the antiserum relative to carbohydrate than those from the submucosa, and ion-exchange HPLC of reduced subunits revealed the presence of two distinct mucin populations in the samples. The predominant species from the surface epithelium was more acidic than the major population from the submucosa and showed a strong reactivity with the anti-MUC5AC anti-serum. In contrast, the major portion of the submucosal mucins were less acidic and showed no MUC5AC reactivity, although a more acidic population did react with the antibody. Rate-zonal centrifugation showed that the MUC5AC mucin from the surface epithelium is smaller than the major submucosal mucin, and that both are composed of subunits. Immunolocalization confirmed that the MUC5AC mucin from human trachea originates from the goblet cells and that this glycoprotein is not a major product of the submucosal glands.

Respiratory mucins: identification of core proteins and glycoforms

At least eight mucin apoproteins are expressed by the tracheobronchial epithelium, but it is not known which, if any, of these are major constituents of the respiratory secretions responsible for the formation of the mucus gel. To address this we have isolated mucins from normal, asthmatic and chronic bronchitic secretions. The asthmatic mucin reduced subunits were fractionated into four populations (I-IV) by anion-exchange HPLC. Amino acid and monosaccharide compositional analysis, as well as M(r) and size measurements, indicate that two of these populations (I and II) are glycoforms of the same or related apoprotein(s) and that the other populations contain two different apoproteins. A panel of antibodies and antisera recognizing the variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of specific mucin apoproteins did not, as predicted, react with the glycosylated molecules, but after deglycosylation the majority of these probes (with the exception of those to MUC2, which were negative) reacted at a low level with each of the subunit populations. In contrast, an antiserum against a non-VNTR sequence of MUC5AC identified one of the populations (III) as the MUC5AC mucin. The MUC5AC reduced subunit had an M(r) of 2.2 x 10(6) and an RG (radius of gyration) of 57 nm. The genetic identities of the major mucin (populations I and II) and a minor component (population IV) were not established. The MUC5AC mucin was also identified as a major component in the pooled normal secretions from 20 individuals, whereas in a chronic bronchitic sample it was only a minor constituent. Furthermore, in all these different respiratory secretions the MUC5AC mucin appears as a similar biochemical entity, as assessed by Mono Q chromatography and agarose electrophoresis, suggesting that it may have a well-defined pattern of glycosylation in the respiratory tract.

Biosynthesis of the MUC2 mucin: evidence for a slow assembly of fully glycosylated units

The human colonic cell line PC/AA was grown to near confluency over 24 days and labelled with [14C]proline and [3H]glucose over the last 48 h in culture. The cell layer was extracted with 6 M guanidinium chloride and the mature fully glycosylated mucins were isolated at a density of 1.45 g/ml by using density-gradient centrifugation in CsCl/4 M guanidinium chloride. These mucins were identified as MUC2 with an anti-peptide antibody. The macromolecules were fragmented by reduction into two distinct populations of MUC2 subunits as assessed by agarose electrophoresis. The MUC2 mucin was polydisperse in length, ranging from 500 nm to many microns and its molecular-mass distribution, assessed by rate-zonal centrifugation, ranged from 5 x 10(6) to 40 x 10(6) Da. However, the metabolically labelled MUC2 mucins, though found throughout the whole distribution, were of much smaller average size. Since the entire distribution is not uniformly radiolabelled over 48 h, the formation of the largest species must be preceded by glycosylation and occur slowly, over several days, via the assembly of fully glycosylated units which are likely to be at least dimers [Asker, Baeckstrom, Axelsson, Carlstedt, and Hansson (1995) Biochem. J. 308, 873-880].