Introduction to mucins in cancer

Abstract

In summary, mucin glycoproteins are secreted or cell surface molecules that are highly expressed in healthy mucosal tissues, and involved in protection of the host from microbes and in repair of tissues following infection and injury. Many of these mucins are present and often overexpressed in cancers arising from mucosal epithelia and contribute to the development and progression of cancer. Clinically mucins are used routinely to help diagnose cancer and many strategies targeting mucins, particularly by immunotherapy, are undergoing preclinical development and clinical trial.