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

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

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

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).

See also

• Uromodulin-associated kidney disease
• Uromodulin kidney disease
• Uromodulin: roles in health and disease

External links

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