Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
An extracellular matrix structural constituent. Involved in host-mediated regulation of intestinal microbiota composition; maintenance of gastrointestinal epithelium; and mucus secretion. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including glandular epithelial cell development; negative regulation of cell migration; and positive regulation of apoptotic process. Located in extracellular matrix; inner mucus layer; and outer mucus layer. Is active in mucus layer. Is expressed in hindgut epithelium and intestine. Used to study inflammatory bowel disease. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in asthma. Orthologous to human MUC2 (mucin 2, oligomeric mucus/gel-forming).