UMOD Feline

Uromodulin is a 95 kDa glycoprotein produced by the epithelial cells lining the thick ascending limb (TAL) of Henle’s loop and the early distal convoluted tubules of the nephron . In felines, this protein is synthesized in a similar manner and is found in the urine. The protein is initially synthesized as a precursor and undergoes several post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, before being secreted into the urine .

Uromodulin has several important functions:

1. Barrier Function: It forms a protective barrier on the surface of the renal tubules, preventing the adhesion of pathogens and crystals .
2. Regulation of Ion Channels: Uromodulin modulates the activity of renal ion channels, which are essential for maintaining electrolyte balance .
3. Immune Response: It plays a role in the immune response by binding to pathogens and preventing their colonization in the urinary tract .
4. Prevention of Kidney Stones: Uromodulin inhibits the aggregation of calcium crystals, thereby reducing the risk of kidney stone formation .

Mutations in the UMOD gene, which encodes uromodulin, are associated with several inherited kidney diseases, including familial juvenile hyperuricemic nephropathy (FJHN) and medullary cystic kidney disease type 2 (MCKD2) . Altered expression of uromodulin is also linked to an increased risk of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and both acute and chronic kidney diseases .

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of uromodulin as a biomarker for various kidney diseases . Its role in systemic inter-organ signaling and modulation of renal function makes it a promising target for therapeutic interventions .