PODXL
Description
The PODXL (podocalyxin like) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
PODXL (Podocalyxin-like protein 1) is a protein encoded by the PODXL gene in humans. It belongs to the CD34 sialomucin protein family and was initially identified as a key component of glomerular podocytes in the kidney. Inactivation of the PODXL gene in mice leads to severe health problems, including anuria (lack of urine production), omphalocele (a birth defect where the intestines stick out of the belly button), and death shortly after birth. Podocytes are specialized epithelial cells that cover the outer aspect of the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney. PODXL interacts with other proteins to form a complex that connects to the cytoskeleton within cells, plays a role in the differentiation of blood cells, and is expressed in vascular endothelial cells. It also binds to L-selectin, a molecule involved in cell adhesion. The PODXL protein is primarily located on the cell membrane and at the microtubule organizing center, with some presence in vesicles. It has been found in a variety of human tissues, including glomerular podocytes, endothelial cells, and cells in the fallopian tube, uterus, and seminal vesicle. PODXL interacts with Sodium-hydrogen exchange regulatory cofactor 2 (NHERF2).
PODXL plays a critical role in regulating cell adhesion, morphology, and cancer progression. It acts as an anti-adhesive molecule in the kidney, preventing neighboring cells in the podocyte from sticking together through charge repulsion. This creates an open filtration pathway for waste products. Conversely, PODXL also functions as a pro-adhesive molecule, promoting cell adhesion to other cells and the surrounding environment, enhancing cell migration and forming cell-cell contacts. In addition, it induces the formation of microvilli, small finger-like projections that increase the surface area of cells. PODXL is involved in early stages of kidney development, contributing to the formation of a preapical membrane domain that initiates epithelial polarization and the development of kidney tubules. In cancer, PODXL drives cell migration and invasion through its interaction with the actin-binding protein EZR. This interaction influences EZR-dependent signaling pathways, leading to increased activity of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, which are crucial for cell growth and survival.
PODXL is also known as Gp200, PC, PCLP, PCLP-1, PDX, PODXL1, gp135.
