Role of MUC1 in lubrication of pleural mesothelial cells cultured on fibrine gel

•Coefficient of kinetic friction (μ) of normal (4/4 RM-4) and tumor (CARM-L1 TG3) cell lines cultured on fibrine gel was measured.•Expression of MUC1 was not significantly different in the two cell lines.•μ was significantly higher in tumor cells than in normal cells.•Neuraminidase removed hystochemical stain of sialic acid from mesothelial glycocalyx, and increased μ.•Dexamethasone did not increase μ and MUC1 expression.