Lipocalin 15 in the olfactory mucus is a biomarker for Bowman's gland activity.

Olfactory mucus contributes to the specific functions of the olfactory mucosa, but the composition and source of mucus proteins have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used comprehensive proteome analysis and identified lipocalin 15 (LCN15), a human-specific lipocalin family protein, as an abundant component of the olfactory mucus. Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a newly generated anti-LCN15 antibody showed that LCN15 was concentrated in olfactory mucus samples, but not in respiratory mucus samples.