MUC5AC Mouse Monoclonal Antibody [A3H3]

Mucins are a group of high molecular weight glycoproteins consisting of a mucin core protein and O-linked carbohydrates. Mucin 6 carries GlcNAca1-->4Galb-->R structures, indicating that alpha1, 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 suppress its expression. Additionally, asthmatic fluid stimulates Mucin 5AC synthesis several-fold. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha 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 a one of the major mucins in the ethmoid mucosa.