Alexander R Bennett, Iris Mair, Andrew Muir, Hannah Smith, Larisa Logunova, Andrew Wolfenden, Jonathan Fenn, Ann E Lowe, Janette E Bradley, Kathryn J Else, David J Thornton
Mucin protein glycosylation is important in determining biological properties of mucus gels, which form protective barriers at mucosal surfaces of the body such as the intestine. Ecological factors including: age, sex, and diet can change mucus barrier properties by modulating mucin glycosylation. However, as our understanding stems from controlled laboratory studies in house mice, the combined influence of ecological factors on mucin glycosylation in real-world contexts remains limited. In this study, we used histological staining with 'Alcian Blue, Periodic Acid, Schiff's' and 'High-Iron diamine' to assess the acidic nature of mucins stored within goblet cells of the intestine, in a wild mouse population (Mus musculus)...
March 23, 2024: Scientific Reports