Uromodulin — Biological Significance and Prospects for Clinical Use

Abstract

Uromodulin is a unique protein produced in the kidneys by epithelial cells of the ascending thick portion of the loop of Henle. It implements physiological mechanisms not only at the tubular level, but also participates in the coordination of general body processes. The main functions of uromodulin are an obstacle to prevent stone formation due to a violation of the aggregation of calcium salts and water reabsorption, coordination of electrolyte balance, and an obstacle to inflammatory processes locally and systemically. Moreover, the expression of uromodulin and its qualitative characteristics are under genetic control. In this regard, the pathology of the tubular apparatus or mutations in the genes encoding uromodulin lead to the development of primary or secondary tubulopathies with dysfunction of other organs and systems. At the same time, it is known that uromodulin is an incompletely studied protein both in terms of structure and features of the functions it performs. A thorough analysis of research data, including experimental work on the study of uromodulin in domestic and international literature sources, was carried out, with a presentation of the material in this manuscript.