MUC3A (Mucin 3A), a member of the transmembrane mucin family, is a high-molecular-weight glycoprotein primarily expressed in epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and other mucosal surfaces. It plays a critical role in maintaining mucosal barrier integrity, lubrication, and cellular signaling. Structurally, MUC3A contains a large extracellular domain with tandem repeat regions rich in serine, threonine, and proline residues, which undergo extensive O-glycosylation, contributing to its gel-forming properties and resistance to proteolytic degradation. Dysregulation of MUC3A has been implicated in pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and cystic fibrosis, where its overexpression or altered glycosylation patterns may influence tumor progression, metastasis, or microbial interactions.
Antibodies targeting MUC3A are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and functional roles. They are widely used in immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and flow cytometry to assess tissue-specific distribution or disease-associated changes. However, developing specific anti-MUC3A antibodies remains challenging due to the protein’s structural complexity, variable glycosylation, and homology with other mucin family members (e.g., MUC12. MUC17). Recent studies explore MUC3A’s potential as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target, particularly in cancers where it may modulate cell adhesion, immune evasion, or chemoresistance. Commercial antibodies often target epitopes in the variable tandem repeat or cytoplasmic domains, though validation for assay-specific contexts (e.g., glycan masking) is critical to ensure accuracy. Ongoing research aims to clarify its mechanistic roles in mucosal homeostasis and disease, driving demand for reliable MUC3A-specific reagents.