The MUC2 glycoprotein is one of the most extensively studied secreted gelforming
mucins. The gene encoding this protein has been cloned, sequenced and
analyzed both structurally and functionally. The exon/intron composition of the MUC2
gene has been established, and its transcription investigated. The transcriptional activity
of the gene is controlled by promoter regulatory elements and by the epigenetic
mechanism. Biosynthesis of the MUC2 protein precursor and its processing and
maturation associated with posttranslational modifications, such as N- and Oglycosylation,
sulfation, sialylation and posttranslational proteolysis, have been
thoroughly studied. Expression of MUC2 gene has been analyzed in different organs,
tissues and cells under physiological conditions, including embryogenesis and fetal
development, and in different forms of pathology. The molecular biology aspects of the
MUC2 glycoprotein functioning, as well as its biosynthesis, posttranslational
modifications and expression are discussed
Keywords: MUC2, domain structure, biosynthesis, promoter, transcriptional
regulation, expression, development, pathology.
