Mucinase activity

Turnover of the mucous “barrier gel” overlying mucosal surfaces is essential for hydration, mechanical protection, the physical removal of contaminants and toxins, the generation of sacrificial binding ligands that prevent microbial penetration, and the provision of a suitable environment to renew other defensive molecules that are incorporated into mucus. Mucinase activity is crucial to this turnover process in locations such as the gut and the reproductive tract. Similar activity may also be of relevance at other mucosal surfaces that are not normally colonised by significant microbial populations, such as the eye and the respiratory tract.