Advances in the role of MUC1/Muc1 in pulmonary diseases

Mucin 1 (MUC1/Muc1) is a highly glycosylated protein with high molecular weight encoded by the MUC1 or Muc1 gene.It is a transmembrane glycoprotein distributing on the surface of epithelial cells in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells and various immune-related cells.MUC1 is abnormally expressed in lung tumor tissues and promotes its genesis and development.In recent years, increasing numbers of studies have shown that MUC1/Muc1 is an endogenous anti-inflammatory molecule, which plays an important role against acute lung infection.Moreover, it may take effect in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic asthma and interstitial lung disease.This article reviews the role of MUC1/Muc1 in various pulmonary diseases. Key words: Lung neoplasms; Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Lung diseases, interstitial; MUC1/Muc1; Pulmonary infection