protein_function: Thought to provide a protective, lubricating barrieragainst particles and infectious agents at mucosal surfaces..
CA-125, also known as mucin 16 or MUC16, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the MUC16 gene. MUC16 is a member of the mucin family glycoproteins. It is a component of the ocular surface, the respiratory tract and the female reproductive tract epithelia. Since MUC16 is highly glycosylated it creates a hydrophilic environment that acts as a lubricating barrier against foreign particles and infectious agents on the apical membrane of epithelial cells. Also, the cytoplasmic tail of MUC16 has been shown to interact with cytoskeleton by binding members of the ERM protein family. The expression of mucin 16 has been shown to be altered in dry eye, cystic fibrosis, and several types of cancers.