Probing cell-surface architecture through synthesis: An NMR-determined structural motif for tumor-associated mucins

Cell-surface mucin glycoproteins are altered with the onset of oncogenesis, Knowledge of mucin structure could be used in vaccine strategies that targ et tumor-associated mucin motifs, Thus far, however, mucins have resisted d etailed molecular analysis. Reported herein is the solution conformation of a highly complex segment of the mucin CD43. The elongated secondary struct ure of the isolated mucin strand approaches the stability of motifs found i n folded proteins. The features required for the mucin motif to emerge are also described. Immunocharacterization of related constructs strongly sugge sts that the observed epitopes represent distinguishing features of tumor c ell-surface architecture.