Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that may result in lung disease or liver disease. Onset of lung problems is typically between 20 and 50 years of age. This may result in shortness of breath, wheezing, or an increased risk of lung infections. Complications may include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cirrhosis, neonatal jaundice, or panniculitis.
Mucus is a slippery aqueous secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. It is typically produced from cells found in mucous glands, although it may also originate from mixed glands, which contain both serous and mucous cells. It is a viscous colloid containing inorganic salts, antimicrobial enzymes, immunoglobulins, and glycoproteins such as lactoferrin and mucins, which are produced by goblet cells in the mucous membranes and submucosal glands. Mucus serves to protect epithelial cells in the linings of the respiratory, digestive, and urogenital systems, and structures in the visual and auditory systems from pathogenic fungi, bacteria and viruses. Most of the mucus in the body is produced in the gastrointestinal tract.
Mucins are a family of high molecular weight, heavily glycosylated proteins (glycoconjugates) produced by epithelial tissues in most animals. Mucins' key characteristic is their ability to form gels; therefore they are a key component in most gel-like secretions, serving functions from lubrication to cell signalling to forming chemical barriers. They often take an inhibitory role. Some mucins are associated with controlling mineralization, including nacre formation in mollusks, calcification in echinoderms and bone formation in vertebrates. They bind to pathogens as part of the immune system. Overexpression of the mucin proteins, especially MUC1, is associated with many types of cancer.
Goblet cells are simple columnar epithelial cells that secrete gel-forming mucins, like mucin 5AC. The goblet cells mainly use the merocrine method of secretion, secreting vesicles into a duct, but may use apocrine methods, budding off their secretions, when under stress. The term goblet refers to the cell's goblet-like shape. The apical portion is shaped like a cup, as it is distended by abundant mucus laden granules; its basal portion lacks these granules and is shaped like a stem.
Interleukin 13 (IL-13) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL13 gene. IL-13 was first cloned in 1993 and is located on chromosome 5q31.1 with a length of 1.4kb. It has a mass of 13 kDa and folds into 4 alpha helical bundles. The secondary structural features of IL-13 are similar to that of Interleukin 4 (IL-4); however it only has 25% sequence identity to IL-4 and is capable of IL-4 independent signaling. IL-13 is a cytokine secreted by T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, CD4 cells, natural killer T cell, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils and nuocytes. Interleukin-13 is a central regulator in IgE synthesis, goblet cell hyperplasia, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperresponsiveness, fibrosis and chitinase up-regulation. It is a mediator of allergic inflammation and different diseases including asthma.
Alpha 1-antichymotrypsin is an alpha globulin glycoprotein that is a member of the serpin superfamily. In humans, it is encoded by the SERPINA3 gene.
Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi in the lungs that causes coughing. Bronchitis usually begins as an infection in the nose, ears, throat, or sinuses. The infection then makes its way down to the bronchi. Symptoms include coughing up sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Bronchitis can be acute or chronic.
Mucin-4 (MUC-4) is a mucin protein that in humans is encoded by the MUC4 gene. Like other mucins, MUC-4 is a high-molecular weight glycoprotein.
Mucin 2, oligomeric mucus gel-forming, also known as MUC2, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MUC2 gene.
Trefoil factor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TFF1 gene.
Mucin-5B(MUC-5B) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MUC5B gene and by Muc5b gene in mouse. It is one of the five gel-forming mucins. MUC-5B can be found in whole saliva, normal lung mucus, and cervical mucus. In some diseases such as COPD, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and H. pylori-associated gastric disease.
Chloride channel accessory 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CLCA1 gene.
Mucin 6, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming, also known as MUC6, is a human gene encoding a protein of the same name. MUC6, along with MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B, is located within the 11p15 chromosomal locus of chromosome 11. MUC6, along with MUC1, is expressed in normal pancreases.
Aquaporin-5 (AQP-5) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AQP5 gene.
Group IID secretory phospholipase A2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the PLA2G2D gene.
Zymogen Granule Protein 16 is a protein that is encoded by the ZG16 gene. Other common names include hZG16, FLJ43571, FLJ92276, secretory lectin ZG16, jacalin-like lectin domain containing, JCLN, JCLN1, MGC183567, MGC34820, ZG16A, zymogen granule membrane protein 16, zymogen granule protein 16 homolog, and zymogen granule protein. The gene is located on Chromosome 16: 29,778,256-29,782,973. The gene obtains one transcript and 128 orthologues.
Calpain-9 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CAPN9 gene.
Mucociliary clearance (MCC), mucociliary transport, or the mucociliary escalator, describes the self-clearing mechanism of the airways in the respiratory system. It is one of the two protective processes for the lungs in removing inhaled particles including pathogens before they can reach the delicate tissue of the lungs. The other clearance mechanism is provided by the cough reflex. Mucociliary clearance has a major role in pulmonary hygiene.
Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is an inflammatory lung disease of unknown cause. It is a severe, progressive form of bronchiolitis, an inflammatory condition of the bronchioles. The term diffuse signifies that lesions appear throughout both lungs, while panbronchiolitis refers to inflammation found in all layers of the respiratory bronchioles. DPB causes severe inflammation and nodule-like lesions of terminal bronchioles, chronic sinusitis, and intense coughing with large amounts of sputum production.
GPR182 is a human gene which is an orphan G-protein coupled receptor.
