PDPN

Podoplanin is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the PDPN is_associated_with::gene.

Function
This gene encodes a type-I, integral membrane, heavily O-is_associated_with::glycosylated is_associated_with::glycoprotein with diverse distribution in human tissues. The physiological function of this protein may be related to its is_associated_with::mucin-type character. The homologous protein in other species has been described as a differentiation antigen and influenza-virus receptor. The specific function of this protein has not been determined but it has been proposed as a marker of lung injury. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.

This protein has been found to have functions in lung alveolar cells, kidney podocytes, and lymphatic endothelial cells. More recently, this protein has been found in neural tissue in both mouse and human samples.

In lymphatic endothelial cells, experimentation has indicated that podoplanin plays a role in proper formation of linkages between the cardiovascular system and the lymphatic systems, typically causing fatty liver disease in these mice.

Although the exact function is unknown in many tissues, podoplanin is generally receptive to detection via immunofluorescent staining and has been shown to co-localize with the protein nestin, a type VI intermediate filament protein expressed almost primarily in neural tissues. Currently, the only protein known to interact with podoplanin physiologically is is_associated_with::CLEC-2, a C-type lectin 2 expressed on platelets and on is_associated_with::hematopoietic cells. Both serve a role in the proper formation of blood/lymphatic connections in embryonic development.