Nephrin is a member of the immunoglobulin family of cell adhesion molecules that localizes to opposing sites of the secondary foot processes formed by podocytes, a specialized epithelial cell that ensures size- and charge-selective ultrafiltration. The gene is primarily expressed in renal tissues, and the protein is a type-1 transmembrane protein found at the slit diaphragm of glomerular podocytes. Nephrin is expressed in embryonic and adult kidneys and localizes to glomerular podocytes and the glomerular slit diaphragm. Nephrin stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinases and is enhanced by podocin, which binds to the cytoplasmic tail of nephrin.
