Scientific Publications
The Role of the Mucus Barrier in Digestion
Food Digestion, 3, 8-15
Mucus forms a protective layer across a variety ofepithelial surfaces. In the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, thebarrier has to permit the uptake of nutrients, while excludingpotential hazards, such as pathogenic bacteria. In this shortreview article, we look at recent literature on the structure,location, and properties of the mammalian intestinal secretedmucins and the mucus layer they form over a wide rangeof length scales. In particular, we look at the structure of thegel-forming glycoprotein MUC2, the primary intestinal secretedmucin, and the influence this has on the properties ofthe mucus layer. We show that, even at the level of theprotein backbone, MUC2 is highly heterogeneous and thatthis is reflected in the networks it forms. It is evident that acombination of charge and pore size determines what candiffuse through the layer to the underlying gut epithelium.This information is important for the targeted delivery ofbioactive molecules, including nutrients and pharmaceuticals,and for understanding how GI health is maintained.
Food Digestion, 3, 8-15
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