The MUC6 mucin plays an essential role mainly in homeostasis of the
gastrointestinal tract, and in pathogenesis of many diseases associated with the
gastrointestinal, respiratory, and male and female urogenital systems. The structure of the
MUC6 gene and the mechanisms that regulate its activity are analyzed in this chapter. The
biochemical and biophysical properties of the MUC6 glycoprotein, its biosynthesis,
posttranslational modifications, and expression in various cells and tissues are discussed.
Keywords: MUC6, glycoprotein, mucin, structure, biosynthesis, expression.
