Mucins

Mucins are large, heavily glycosylated proteins that play critical roles in protecting and lubricating epithelial surfaces throughout the body, especially in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. They are central to host–microbe interactions, immune modulation, and barrier function, and their complex structures and diverse functions make them both scientifically fascinating and technically challenging to study. Mucins serves as a valuable resource for researchers aiming to investigate mucin biology in greater depth, offering a wide range of experimental approaches and analytical strategies. It presents a comprehensive exploration of mucin biology and glycoproteomics, featuring cutting-edge methodologies and insights from leading researchers across the field. Topics span from enrichment and isolation techniques, mucinase characterization, and advanced glycoproteomic workflows to clinical applications such as lectin-based assays and mucin quantification. The chapters delve into innovative tools including CRISPR screens, cell-based mucin arrays, cryoEM, MD simulations, and microscopy, as well as synthetic approaches to mucin glycopeptides and selective sulfation. Special focus is given to mucin interactions with microbiota and pathogens, their roles in innate immunity and inflammatory bowel disease, and emerging technologies like FRET-based screening and glycan/lectin arrays. This multidisciplinary volume integrates biochemistry, microbiology, structural biology, and clinical science, serving as a foundational reference for researchers investigating mucins and their complex biological functions.