Mucins, osmosensors in eukaryotic cells?

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms required for sensing high osmolarity in the extracellular environment are not well defined in eukaryotes. A recent study showed that yeast Msb2 and Hkr1, which are related to mammalian mucins, are excellent candidates for sensing osmostress and for activating the HOG stress-activated protein kinase pathway involved in osmostress adaptation. Transmembrane mucins activate several signaling cascades in mammals and could therefore be important for sensing osmotic imbalances in higher eukaryotes.