Structure and function of mucus

Abstract

Discussing the available evidence a fairly strong case can be made for the existence of a basic glycoprotein unit, characterized by what may be a common protein backbone (Fig. 1). This is far less likely for the carbohydrate portion. The considerably more variability in the amount and composition of the carbohydrate coat and species and organ differences may arise because of this fact. Very large aggregates are built up from the basic unit using cross-links of disulfide bonds either intermolecularly, i.e. directly, or intramolecularly, i.e. indirectly via a possible lectin-like structure which forms its bond with some of the carbohydrate side chains. Structures of the order of 10-100 million molecular weight are to be expected which, being heavily entangled, give rise to the special rheological character of the mucus. In most instances mucus behaves rheologically like a gel. The concentration of glycoprotein in the mucus may be the most important parameter which determines the special rheological features required in a special functional context. A unified point of view, when discussing mucus structure and function, was taken. On the evidence available, it seems well justified to continue to do so.