UMOD

Uromodulin is the most abundant protein in mammalian urine under physiological conditions. It is synthesized in the kidney as a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchored protein and released into urine as a soluble form by proteolytic cleavage. It is thought to regulate water and salt balance in the thick ascending limb of Henle and to protect against urinary tract infection and calcium oxalate crystal formation. In mouse deficiency of this gene is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and formation of calcium crystals in kidneys. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.Uromodulin:Functions in biogenesis and organization of the apical membrane of epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb of Henle's loop (TALH), where it promotes formation of complex filamentous gel-like structure providing the water barrier permeability. May serve as a receptor for binding and endocytosis for cytokines (IL-1, IL-2) and TNF. Facilitates neutrophil migration across renal epithelial (By similarity). Uromodulin, secreted form: Secreted into urine after proteolytically cleaveage. Into the urine, may contribute to colloid osmotic pressure, retards passage of positively charged electrolytes, prevents urinary tract infection and modulates formation of supersaturated salts and their crystals.