Mucins are important components that exert a variety of functions in cell-cell interaction, epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, and airways protection. In the conducting airways of the lungs, mucins are the major contributor to the viscoelastic property of mucous secretion, which is the major barrier to trapping inhaled microbial organism, particulates, and oxidative pollutants. The homeostasis of mucin production is an important feature in conducting airways for the maintenance of mucociliary function. Aberrant mucin secretion and accumulation in airway lumen are clinical hallmarks associated with various lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Among 20 known mucin genes identified, 11 of them have been verified at either the mRNA and/or protein level in airways. The regulation of mucin genes is complicated, as are the mediators and signaling pathways. This review summarizes the current view on the mediators, the signaling pathways, and the transcriptional units that are involved in the regulation of airway mucin gene expression. In addition, we also point out essential features of epigenetic mechanisms for the regulation of these genes.

中文翻译：

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气道粘蛋白基因表达的调节。

粘蛋白是在细胞间相互作用、表皮生长因子受体信号传导和气道保护中发挥多种功能的重要成分。在肺的传导气道中，粘蛋白是粘液分泌粘弹性的主要贡献者，粘弹性是捕获吸入的微生物、颗粒和氧化污染物的主要障碍。粘蛋白产生的稳态是进行气道维持粘液纤毛功能的一个重要特征。气道腔内粘蛋白的异常分泌和积累是与各种肺部疾病相关的临床标志，例如哮喘、慢性阻塞性肺病、囊性纤维化、肺气肿和肺癌。在确定的 20 个已知粘蛋白基因中，其中 11 个已在气道中的 mRNA 和/或蛋白质水平上得到验证。粘蛋白基因的调控很复杂，介质和信号通路也是如此。本综述总结了目前对调节气道粘蛋白基因表达的介质、信号通路和转录单位的看法。此外，我们还指出了这些基因调控的表观遗传机制的基本特征。