Podocan (PODN)

Mouse and human PODN proteins share greater than 91% amino acid identity. Podocan is highly homologous to members of the small leucine-rich repeat protein (SLRP) family, which are proteoglycans that regulate and maintain extracellular matrix collagen fibrils. Podocan contains an N-terminal cysteine-rich cluster pattern and an acidic C-terminal domain distinct from that of other SLRP family members, suggesting that podocan defines a novel SLRP phylogenetic class. Northern blot analysis of normal mouse kidney RNA showed varied expression of 3.2- and 2.3-kb murine PODN transcripts, beginning at embryonic day 14 and continuing through adulthood. RNA in situ hybridization showed expression of PODN in podocytes and vascular endothelial cells within the glomeruli of adult mouse kidney.