Mucin
Plain-English definitions of microbiome research vocabulary — the terms you'll see across articles, testing services, and probiotic claims.
Glycoproteins produced by goblet cells in the intestinal lining that form the protective mucus layer. This layer provides a habitat for beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and acts as a physical barrier against pathogens.
Related terms
Akkermansia
Akkermansia muciniphila is a mucin-degrading bacterium that lives in the intestinal mucus layer. Higher abundance is associated with improved metabolic health, lower inflammation, and better gut barrier function. It thrives on polyphenol-rich foods.
Intestinal Permeability
The property of the intestinal lining that controls what passes from the gut into the bloodstream. Increased permeability (sometimes called "leaky gut") allows harmful substances to enter circulation, triggering immune responses.