Uromodulin

Uromodulin (also known as Tamm-Horsfall protein or THP) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the UMOD gene. It is the most abundant protein excreted in the urine under normal conditions. It was first identified by Igor Tamm and Frank Horsfall in 1950.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name Uromodulin comes from the words "uro" meaning urine and "modulin" meaning module in Latin. The protein was named after its discoverers, Igor Tamm and Frank Horsfall, hence the alternative name Tamm-Horsfall protein.

Function[edit | edit source]

Uromodulin is produced by cells in the thin ascending limb of the loop of Henle in the kidney. It is secreted into the tubular fluid where it can bind to a variety of pathogens, preventing their adherence to cells and facilitating their elimination in the urine. Uromodulin also regulates ion transport and blood pressure.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the UMOD gene are associated with several kidney diseases, including autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD-UMOD), glomerulocystic kidney disease with hyperuricemia and isosthenuria, and medullary cystic kidney disease type 2 (MCKD2).

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

UMOD at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Uromodulin Resources
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