nonmucin
Nonmucin is a descriptive term used in mucosal biology to denote the components of mucus that are not mucin glycoproteins. While mucins form the gel-like network that gives mucus its viscoelastic properties, the nonmucin fraction includes water, ions, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and cellular material that are present in mucus.
Major nonmucin constituents include water (the largest component by volume), inorganic ions such as sodium, chloride,
Functionally, nonmucin components participate in hydration, lubrication, immune defense, and microbial clearance. They interact with mucins
Clinical relevance and research: in some diseases, altered nonmucin composition affects mucus function and clearance. Therapeutic