Genomics

See Also

Description

  • Gene type: protein coding
  • Gene name: UMOD
  • Gene description: uromodulin (uromucoid, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein)
  • Organism: Homo sapiens
  • Chromosome: 16; Location: 16p12.3

This gene encodes uromodulin, the most abundant protein in normal urine. Its excretion in urine follows proteolytic cleavage of the ectodomain of its glycosyl phosphatidylinosital-anchored counterpart that is situated on the luminal cell surface of the loop of Henle. Uromodulin may act as a constitutive inhibitor of calcium crystallization in renal fluids. Excretion of uromodulin in urine may provide defense against urinary tract infections caused by uropathogenic bacteria. Defects in this gene are associated with the autosomal dominant renal disorders medullary cystic kidney disease-2 (MCKD2) and familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy (FJHN). These disorders are characterized by juvenile onset of hyperuricemia, gout, and progressive renal failure. While several transcript variants may exist for this gene, the full-length natures of only two have been described to date. These two represent the major variants of this gene and encode the same isoform.

Discussion

The autosomal-dominant gene mutations responsible for UMOD-associated kidney disease cause a profound reduction of THP excretion. [1]

Excretion of uromodulin is reduced in familial juvenile hyperuricaemic nephropathy. [2]

Binds to virulent Bordetella pertussis and reduces its adherence to both renal and pulmonary epithelial cells. [3]

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