When mucus can be key to treating colon and airway diseases

(Center for Genomic Regulation) New research reveals how healthy cells in our bodies produce mucins -- the main component of mucous, which protects our intestine and airway from pathogens, toxins and allergens. Scientists have already linked defects in mucins secretion to airway and colonic diseases, such as asthma or ulcerative colitis. Now, researchers at Malhotra's laboratory in Barcelona, reveal how cells control quantities of mucin released and could become a new avenue to treat several mucin-related diseases.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news