Molecules, Vol. 23, Pages 200: Tamm –Horsfall Protein is a Potent Immunomodulatory Molecule and a Disease Biomarker in the Urinary System

Molecules, Vol. 23, Pages 200: Tamm–Horsfall Protein is a Potent Immunomodulatory Molecule and a Disease Biomarker in the Urinary System Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules23010200 Authors: Tsai-Hung Wu Ko-Jen Li Chia-Li Yu Chang-Youh Tsai Tamm–Horsfall protein (THP), or uromodulin (UMOD), is an 80–90-kDa phosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein produced exclusively by the renal tubular cells in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Physiologically, THP is implicated in renal countercurrent gradient formation, sodium homeostasis, blood pressure regulation, and a defense molecule against infections in the urinary system. Investigations have also revealed that THP is an effective binding ligand for serum albumin, immunoglobulin G light chains, complement components C1 and C1q, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon-γ through its carbohydrate side chains for maintaining circulatory and renal immune homeostasis. Thus, THP can be regarded as part of the innate immune system. UMOD mutations play crucial roles in congenital urolithiasis, hereditary hyperuricemia/gout, and medullary cystic kidney diseases. Recent investigations have focused on the immunomodulatory effects of THP on immune cells and on THP as a disease biomarker of acute and chronic kidney diseases. Our studies have suggested that normal urinary THP, through its epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains, binds to the surface-expressed EGF-like rec...
Source: Molecules - Category: Chemistry Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research