Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Mucins are a family of heavily glycosylated proteins that form the main organic component of the oral mucosal barrier complex. Transmembrane mucin 1 (tMUC1) is anchored at the superficial epithelial surface to provide a protective function. The interaction of tMUC1 with oral microbes provides nutrients and physicochemical protection, promotes adhesion, and increases the microbe residence time in the oral cavity. Mucin-degrading microorganisms in the consortia also offer some advantages to oral microbes. The high molecular weight of mucin glycoproteins is hard to study because of their size, complexity, and heterogeneity. This review discusses how mucin facilitates oral microbiome colonization and how mucin–microbial interactions influence the development of oral cancer, mainly oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Source: Oral
DOI: 10.3390/oral5040075
Authors: Bina Kashyap, Arja M. Kullaa
Institution: University of Eastern Finland
Language: English
Subfield: Periodontics
Field: Dentistry
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4415008654