Greater understanding about the role of mucin proteins in the skin

Abstract

British Journal of DermatologyVolume 186, Issue 3 p. e116-e116 Plain Language SummaryFree Access Greater understanding about the role of mucin proteins in the skin First published: 07 March 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.20990AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract Linked Article: Kim and Choi. Br J Dermatol 2022; 186:532–543. The outermost layer of skin, the epidermis, provides a physical barrier of protection from harmful substances and invasion of pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Part of this skin barrier consists of types of proteins called mucins. Mucins are also found in other organs of the body but less is known about their role in the skin than in other organs. However, we know that mucin can be used as a diagnostic clue in some skin disorders, for example, that there is overexpression of mucin in some skin cancers. In this study, from Korea, we set out to understand more about the role of mucin proteins in the skin. We found that several mucin proteins are expressed in human skin and among these, mucin-like protein 1 (MUCL1) showed high expression and also a clear negative association with melanogenesis (the production of melanin pigments, which determine the colour of our skin and that protect us against ultraviolet radiation damage). As the mucin layer is mostly composed of the amino acids serine and threonine we investigated the relationship of these amino acids with MUCL1. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. We found that the amino acid threonine could regulate MUCL1 in melanocytes (the cells producing melanin) and melanoma cells (i.e. cells found in some forms of skin cancers). This study provides a greater understanding about the role of mucins and threonine in skin dysfunction. Volume186, Issue3March 2022Pages e116-e116 RelatedInformation