Muc1, also known as CD227, is a highly glycosylated transmembrane mucin on the luminal surface of epithelial cells, which protects them from extreme factors. It participates in regulating several signaling pathways and is involved in multiple biological processes, such as tumor cell metabolism, apoptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and distant metastasis [1,2,3].

In cancer cells, Muc1 is overexpressed, aberrantly glycosylated, and has altered spatial distribution. It can form a positive feedback loop with HIF, leading to hypoxic malignant tumor progression [1]. In neuroendocrine prostate cancer, Muc1-C (encoded by Muc1) suppresses the AR axis, induces pluripotency factors, and activates neural transcription factors, promoting cancer stem cell state and tumorigenicity. Targeting Muc1-C can inhibit self-renewal and therapeutic resistance in this cancer type and extends to other neuroendocrine carcinomas [4].

In conclusion, Muc1 is a multifunctional molecule with important roles in normal epithelial cell protection and diverse pathological processes, especially in cancer. Studies, including those on its role in neuroendocrine prostate cancer, have demonstrated its potential as a therapeutic target in treating aggressive malignancies [1,4].