Kielin/Chordin Like Protein (KCP)

The deduced 1,254-amino acid protein has a signal peptide, followed by 18 cysteine-rich chordin repeats and a C-terminal von Willebrand factor type D domain. It is most homologous to the Xenopus kielin protein.Northern blot analysis detected a 5.0-kb transcript in embryonic mouse brain and kidney tissues, but not in any other embryonic or adult mouse tissues examined. In situ analysis of whole mouse embryos detected prominent Kcp expression in limb buds and the developing kidney, as well as diffuse staining in the central nervous system. Immunohistochemical analysis detected Kcp in developing proximal tubules.mouse fibroblasts transfected with Kcp had elevated Bmp7 responsiveness that was associated with increased Smad1 phosphorylation.