Reflections on MUC1 glycoprotein: the hidden potential of isoforms in carcinogenesis

Andreia M. Sousa, Paul M. Grandgenett, Leonor David, Raquel Almeida, Michael Anthony Hollingsworth, Filipe Santos-Silva

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mucin 1 (MUC1) has been described as the renaissance molecule due to the large set of functions it displays in both normal and neoplastic cells. This membrane-tethered glycoprotein is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in most epithelial cancers, being involved in several processes related with malignant phenotype acquisition. With a highly polymorphic structure, both in the polypeptide and glycan counterparts, MUC1 variability has been associated with susceptibility to several diseases, including cancer. Biochemical features and biological functions have been characterized upon the full-length MUC1 protein, remaining to clarify the real impact on cell dynamics of the plethora of MUC1 isoforms. This review aims to encompass a detailed characterization of MUC1 role in carcinogenesis, highlighting recent findings in cell differentiation and uncovering new evidences of MUC1 isoforms involvement in malignant phenotype.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)913-924
Number of pages12
JournalAPMIS
Volume124
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2016

Keywords

  • MUC1
  • MUC1 splice variants
  • cancer
  • cell differentiation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Microbiology (medical)

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