MUC2 is a member of the mucin protein family. Mucin is a high molecular weight glycoprotein produced by many epithelial tissues. MUC2 is secreted and forms an insoluble mucosal barrier that protects the intestinal lumen, believed to provide protection, lubrication barrier, and infectious agents on the mucosal surface. It is the main component of the internal and external mucus layers of the colon, and may play a role in excluding bacteria from the internal mucus layer.
