Synaptopodin

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Synaptopodin is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SYNPO gene. It is an actin-associated protein that plays a vital role in regulating the morphology and function of the kidney's podocytes.

Function[edit | edit source]

Synaptopodin is an actin-associated protein that may play a key role in actin-based cell shape and motility. The name synaptopodin derives from the protein's associations with postsynaptic densities and dendritic spines and with renal podocytes (foot processes). In the nervous system, synaptopodin is involved in the regulation of spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. In the kidney, it is involved in the maintenance of foot process structure and filtration barrier function.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the SYNPO gene have been associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a kidney disease characterized by proteinuria and progression to end-stage kidney disease.

Structure[edit | edit source]

Synaptopodin is a 738-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 75 kDa. It is characterized by the presence of a proline-rich domain and a coiled-coil domain.

Expression[edit | edit source]

Synaptopodin is expressed in highly dynamic cell compartments such as the leading lamellipodia of migrating cells, the tips of stress fibers in spreading cells, and the podosomal/adhesive belts of spreading cells.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD