Transmembrane Mucin MUC1 Research Articles

Secreted and Transmembrane Mucins Inhibit Gene Transfer with AAV4 More Efficiently than AAV5

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a promising vector for gene transfer in cystic fibrosis. AAV4 and AAV5 both bind to the apical surface of differentiated human airway epithelia, but only AAV5 infects. Both AAV4 and AAV5 require 2,3-linked sialic acid for binding. However, AAV5 interacts with sialic acid on N-linked carbohydrates, whereas AAV4 interacts with sialic acid on O-linked carbohydrates. Because mucin is decorated with O-linked carbohydrates, we hypothesized that mucin binds AAV4 and inhibits gene transfer. To evaluate the effect of secreted mucin, we studied mucin binding and gene transfer to COS cells and the basolateral membrane of well differentiated human airway epithelia. AAV4 bound mucin more efficiently than AAV5, and mucin inhibited gene transfer with AAV4. Moreover, O-glycosidase-pretreated mucin did not block gene transfer with AAV4. Similar to secreted mucin, the transmembrane mucin MUC1 inhibited gene transfer with AAV4 but not AAV5. MUC1 inhibited AAV4 by blocking internalization of the virus. Thus, O-linked carbohydrates of mucin are potent inhibitors of AAV4. Furthermore, whereas mucin plays an important role in innate host defense, its activity is specific; some vectors or pathogens are more resistant to its effects.

Mammalian reproductive tract mucins.

Mucin glycoproteins are major constituents of the glycocalyx that covers mucosal epithelium. Two broad classes of mucins exist: membrane-associated and secretory. Of the secreted mucins, those with cysteine-rich regions are thought to polymerize through disulphide bonds. Among these gel-forming mucins are MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC5B and possibly MUC6. MUC7 lacks cysteine-rich domains and is thought to be secreted as a soluble monomer. Incomplete sequence information prevents classification of other mucins. Tandem repeats of amino acids rich in serine, threonine and proline are a common element in mucin core proteins, giving rise to relatively rigid, linear molecules with great potential for glycosylation. Ten distinct mucin genes have been identified in humans so far. Patterns of expression vary greatly. While MUC9, or oviductin, appears to be restricted to oviduct, the transmembrane mucin MUC1 is widely expressed. Proven functions for the different mucins are largely unknown, although potential functions are addressed in this review. Genetic and protein sequence information and expression profiles are also summarized, followed by a description of mucin assembly. Special attention is given to mucin expression in male and female reproductive tracts.

MUC1 and other sialoglycoconjugates inhibit adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to epithelial cells.

Recombinant adenoviruses are currently being evaluated as gene transfer vectors for the treatment of airway diseases. Recent evidence indicates that gene transfer to differentiated airway epithelial cells is inefficient. We hypothesized that apical membrane glycoconjugates, such as the transmembrane mucin MUC1, reduce the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer. To address this, studies were performed in primary bronchial epithelial and Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells transduced to express human MUC1. Colocalization of MUC1 and an adenoviral lacZ transgene in the bronchial epithelial cells revealed that at several multiplicities of infection, the percentage of cells expressing lacZ was five-fold less in MUC1-expressing cells. Moreover, lacZ expression was three- to eight-fold lower in MUC1-expressing than in control MDCK cells, demonstrating that MUC1 interferes with gene transfer and is not merely a phenotypic marker of a cell that is refractory to adenovirus infection. Neuraminidase pretreatment of cells to remove sialic acid residues prior to viral adsorption increased the efficiency of gene transfer two- to five-fold in human airway and MDCK cells, and in a xenograft model of human airway. This effect was also observed in cultured cells that do not express MUC1, suggesting that other sialylated glycoconjugates impact on the efficiency of gene transfer. An inhibitory effect of negatively charged glycoconjugates on adenovirus binding was further supported by the finding that adsorption of adenovirus with a polycation significantly increased gene transfer efficiency. These data demonstrate for the first time that sialoglycoconjugates on epithelial cells reduce the efficiency of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer.