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Structure, biosynthesis, and function of salivary mucins

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Abstract

The glandular secretions of the oral cavity lining the underlying buccal mucosa are highly specialized fluids which provide lubrication, prevent mechanical damage, protect efficiently against viral and bacterial infections, and promote the clearance of external pollutants. This mucus blanket contains large glycoproteins termed mucins which contribute greatly to the viscoelastic nature of saliva and affect its complex physiological activity. The protein core of mucins consists of repetitive sequences, rich inO-glycosylated serine and threonine, and containing many helix-breaking proline residues. These features account for the extended, somewhat rigid structure of the molecule, a high hydrodynamic volume, its high buoyant density, and high viscosity. The oligosaccharide moiety of salivary mucins accounts for up to 85% of their weight. The oligosaccharide side chains exhibit an astonishing structural diversity. The isolation, composition, structure, molecular characteristics, and functional relevance of salivary mucins and their constituents is discussed in relation to recent advancements in biochemistry and molecular biology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Glycoimmunochemistry Research Laboratory, Chang-Gung College of Medicine and Technology, Kweisan, Taoyuan, Taiwan

    Albert M. Wu & Anthony Herp

  2. Clinical Pathology Department, W.G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room, 20892, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

    Gyorgy Csako

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  1. Albert M. Wu
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  2. Gyorgy Csako
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Abbreviations: Abbreviations follow the Rules of Carbohydrate Nomenclature of the American Chemical Society, Carbohydrate Division. All sugars are of thed configuration, exceptl-fucose

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Wu, A.M., Csako, G. & Herp, A. Structure, biosynthesis, and function of salivary mucins. Mol Cell Biochem 137, 39–55 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00926038

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