The intestinal MUC2 mucin C-terminus is stabilized by an extra disulfide bond in comparison to von Willebrand factor and other gel-forming mucins

Abstract

The MUC2 mucin is a large, highly glycosylated polymer that builds the intestinal mucus. Here, the authors generate a high-resolution structural model of the 800 amino acid C-terminal dimer including its glycans. Stabilization is achieved by interdimer disulfide-bonds in both ends, essential for a stable mucus barrier.