Human conjunctival goblet cells express the membrane associated mucin MUC16: Localization to mucin granules

摘要: MUC16 is an extraordinarily large 22,152 amino acid membrane spanning mucin that has been shown to be present in the glycocalyx of apical cells human cornea and conjunctiva where it interfaces with tear film. The ectodomain molecule demonstrated tears, presumed from surface epithelial cells. Data presented here multiple assays, including immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy, situ hybridization, RT-PCR RNA isolated goblet by laser capture microdissection, demonstrate tethered also expressed conjunctival both humans mice. granules appears localized granule membrane. Correlation analyses amounts cell secreted MUC5AC MUC1 another found samples correlated but not MUC1. These data suggest are a second source tears. function remains determined.