Mucins are a family of macromolecules that line and protect the respiratory epithelium from microbes and pollutants in the local environment. Of the family members that are known to date, some are produced in a cell type and tissue-specific manner, suggesting distinct biological roles for members. Some members polymerize after secretion to form gel-like substances that coat the epithelial layer. MUC16 is a member of the mucin family, which are high molecular weight, O-glycosylated proteins that play an important role in forming mucous barriers and are found on the apical surface of the epithelia. It contains an extracellular domain at its amino acid terminus, a large tandem repeat, and a transmembrane domain with a short cytoplasmic domain. MUC16 has been linked to lung cancer and ovarian cancer. It provides protective, lubricating barriers against particles and infectious agents at mucosal surfaces.
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