Mucin gene expression in hypertrophic adenoids.
CONCLUSIONS
Membrane-bound mucin MUC4 represents the predominant mucin expressed in the adenoid epithelium followed by MUC5AC (gel-forming mucin). This may suggest that membrane-bound mucins could be involved in pathogen binding and immunological stimulation.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate mucin expression in hypertrophic adenoids.


METHODS
Adenoidal samples were obtained from 12 children. The expression of eight mucin genes, MUC1-4, MUC5AC, 5B, 6 and 7 was studied by in situ hybridization utilizing digoxigenin-labelled oligonucleotide probes.


RESULTS
The dominant mucin genes were MUC4, 3 and 5AC, while MUC1, 2, 5B and 7 were sparsely expressed and MUC6 was not expressed. Expression patterns were very different from those in the upper airways. Most samples expressed two membrane-bound mucins (MUC4 and 3) and one secretory mucin (MUC5AC).
Ali
Mahmoud S
MS
Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Medical School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. msamomar@yahoo.co.uk
Wilson
J A
JA
Bennett
M
M
Pearson
Jeffrey P
JP
D000234:Adenoids / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D009077:Mucins / Q000235:genetics*; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D011379:Prognosis
D015415:Biomarkers; D009077:Mucins; D015345:Oligonucleotide Probes; D004247:DNA