Foreword

It is a great pleasure to write the Foreword for the manuscript “Mucins – potential regulators of cell functions” prepared by internationally known scientists Drs. Joseph Z. Zaretsky and Daniel H. Wreschner. It is a very comprehensive publication providing an excellent insight into the properties and functions of mucin glycopoteins. In recent years, major breakthroughs have taken place in the field. Significant progress has been made in understanding of structure and biosynthesis of mucins as well as in prediction and identification of their functions. Although a lot of literature is available that covers various aspects of mucin studies, there is an obvious requirement for a complete comprehensive analysis of recently obtained data which could change previous knowledge of the biological role of mucins. Such book is indeed the need of the hour. The book covers not only general concepts but also presents details which help to understand the role of mucins in human development, cell differentiation and defense, innate immunity and regulation of cell functions. The authors have taken efforts to focus attention on basic as well as advanced aspects of the research of secreted mucins. All aspects of the mucin problems are presented in a straightforward fashion, with insightful sifting and appraisal of evidences, and in a logical and scientific manner that would help beginners and experts alike to enjoy reading and simplify understanding. The book would be very useful not only for the “muciners”, as Isabelle Van Seunengen called researches studying mucins, but also for biologists working in adjacent sections of the life sciences. It is useful as a handbook containing comprehensive information on structure and properties of both gel-forming and soluble mucins. It would serve also as an excellent reference book for students and investigators interested in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genetics, embryology, histology and clinical medicine. I strongly recommend the book to students and researchers studying the rapidly progressing branch of modern biology - “mucinology”. I am confident that essential new ideas presented in the book would stimulate further studies in this important area.