This gene encodes a glycoprotein that is restricted within the kidney to the basement membranes underlying the epithelium of Bowman's capsule and proximal and distal tubules. Autoantibodies against this protein are found in sera of patients with tubulointerstital nephritis, membranous nephropathy an
d anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis. Ontogeny studies suggest that the expression of this antigen is developmentally regulated in a precise spatial and temporal pattern throughout nephrogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011]
The protein encoded by this gene is similar in sequence to tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen, a secreted glycoprotein that is recognized by antibodies in some types of immune-related tubulointerstitial nephritis. Three transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.