MUC5B Is the Predominant Mucin Glycoprotein in Chronic Otitis Media Fluid

摘要: Chronic otitis media (COM), e.g. "glue" ear is characterized by middle effusion and conductive hearing loss. Although mucous glycoproteins (mucins), which contribute to increased viscosity, have been analyzed in tissue specimens, no studies reported that characterize the molecular identity of secreted mucin proteins present actual fluid. For this study, effusions from children with COM undergoing myringotomy at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC were collected. These solubilized gel fractionated, protein content was identified using a liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomics approach. Western blot analyses specific antibodies densitometry performed validate findings. LC-MS/MS results MUC5B >26 unique peptides six samples, whereas MUC5AC only one effusions. findings validated on same an additional 11 separate samples where revealed average 6.4-fold signal when compared (p = 0.0009). In summary, although both mucins are detected effusions, seems be predominant secretions.