Biochemical analysis reveals rapid proteolytic degradation of MUC7 in human saliva, suggesting the loss of its antibacterial N-terminal domain.
MUC7 was highly susceptible to specific proteolysis in saliva, though major part of MUC5B was more resistant to degradation. The N-terminal region of MUC7, particularly sensitive to proteolytic degradation, has also been proposed to have distinct biological function such as antibacterial activities. Quick removal of this region may have biologically important implication.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Takehara et al. (2013) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: