Ocular mucins: Purification, metabolism and functions

Corfield, Anthony P.; Carrington, Stephen D.; Hicks, Sally J.; Berry, Monica; Ellingham, Roger B.

doi:10.1016/s1350-9462(96)00039-0

Cited by 67 publications

(51 citation statements)

References 124 publications

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“…Although mucins have been recognized as components of the ocular surface for many years [4], information about the mucins of the ocular surface and tear film is still rather limited. Many analyses of mucin expression in tissues are performed with nucleic acid probes, which determine the cellular source of the mucins, but not their ultimate location.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many analyses of mucin expression in tissues are performed with nucleic acid probes, which determine the cellular source of the mucins, but not their ultimate location. Such studies have shown the expression of the MUC4 and MUC5AC genes, encoding secreted mucins, by human conjunctival epithelia [4,17]. In situ hybridization showed MUC4 transcripts in the stratified conjunctival epithelium and MUC5 transcripts in conjunctival goblet cells.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The complex constitution and interactions of the tear film assure optical clarity, lubricate the ocular surface, and protect against pathogenic and noxious agents. In the ocular epithelium, secreted mucins appear to play an important role in the maintenance of the ocular surface and tear film and in protection against external pathogens and foreign debris [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mucins are large glycoconjugates with molecular masses ranging from 3i10& to over 4i10( kDa [4,5]. The most important characteristic of these molecules is that they contain serine-and threonine-rich domains which can be extensively Oglycosylated [6][7][8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…disulphide-linked oligomers [4]. MUC1 is produced by some cells in a soluble form that lacks the transmembrane and C-terminal domains.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sialomucin complex at the rat ocular surface: a new model for ocular surface protection

Price‐Schiavi

Meller

Jing

et al. 1998

Biochemical Journal

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The ocular surface, which is among the most accessible and vulnerable tissues in mammals, is protected by a complex tear film composed of lipid, aqueous and mucin layers. In spite of its importance, the molecular nature of the mucin contribution remains uncertain. Since membrane mucins have been implicated in the protection of other epithelia, we have analysed rat corneal and conjunctival tissues for sialomucin complex (SMC), a membrane mucin found at the apical epithelial cell surfaces in the airway and uterus. Using Northern and Western blot analyses, SMC expression was found in both ocular tissues, being particularly abundant in the cornea. In contrast with the other known membrane mucin, MUC1, SMC was localized more heavily towards the apical surface of the epithelial cells. SMC in ocular surface epithelia was produced in both soluble and membrane forms, the latter being found predominantly in the most superficial cells and at apical surfaces. The soluble form was found loosely adsorbed to apical cell surfaces, particularly of the cornea, as indicated by a mild rinsing protocol. Finally, the tear fluid contained substantial amounts of SMC. From these results, we propose a new model for tear mucin components in which SMC is expressed at the apical ocular surface in both membrane-bound and adsorbed soluble forms to provide a direct protective barrier. SMC secreted into the tear fluid may also participate in maintaining the stability of the preocular tear film by acting with other secreted mucins to determine the physical properties and protective behaviour of the tear film.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%