MUC6

Mucin 6, also known as MUC6, is a human gene. Mucin is a high M.W. (>1,000 kDa) glycoprotein, expressed by mucous cells of the gastric epithelium and by goblet cells of the fetal, precancerous and cancerous colon, but not by those of the normal colon. It also appears in other epithelial tissues, which are embryologically derived from the foregut (epigastric and bronchial epithelium) and in Müller ducts (mucous cells of the endocervix and urethral epithelium near the prostatic utriculus).

MUC6 antibody works well with ethanol-fixed, cultured epithelial cells and ethanol- or formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. It stains the surface gastric epithelium of normal human gastrointestinal tract and reacts with fetal, precancerous and cancerous colonic mucosa, but not with normal colon.

Anti-MUC6 is a mouse monoclonal antibody derived from cell culture supernatant that is concentrated, dialyzed, filter sterilized and diluted in buffer pH 7.5, containing BSA and sodium azide as a preservative.

1. Reis CA, et al. J Histochem Cytochem. 2000;48:377-388
2. Bartman AE, et al. J Pathol. 1999;186(4):398-405
3. Kim GE, et al. Gastroenterology. 2002;123(4):1052-60

1. Cut and mount 3-4 micron formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues on positive charged slides.
2. Air dry for 2 hours at 58° C.
3. Deparaffinize, dehydrate and rehydrate tissues.
4. Subject tissues to heat epitope retrieval using a suitable retrieval solution such as ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate (BSB 0020-BSB 0023) or EDTA (BSB 0030-BSB 0033).
5. Any of three heating methods may be used:
   • Electric Pressure Cooker
     Place standoff rack at base of pressure cooker. Add 1-2 inches of distilled water to the pressure cooker and turn heat to high, and incubate for 15 minutes. Open and immediately transfer slides to room temperature.
   • Water Bath Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a water bath set at 95°-99° C. Incubate for 30-60 minutes.
   • Conventional Steamer Method
     Place tissues/slides in a pre-warmed staining dish or coplin jar containing the ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA in a Steamer, cover and steam for 30-60 minutes.
6. After heat treatment, transfer slides in ImmunoDNA Retriever with Citrate or EDTA to room temperature and let stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Wash slides with IHC wash buffer or DI water.
8. Continue IHC staining protocol.