Podocan (PODN)

Podocan is a small leucine-rich repeat protein (SLRP) encoded by the PODN gene, with strong expression in vascular smooth muscle, kidney, and adipose tissue. Structurally, it is a glycoprotein that binds type 1 collagen, but is not a classical proteoglycan[1][2][6]. Functionally, podocan is secreted and acts as a negative regulator of cell proliferation and migration, partially through the upregulation of p21 and inhibition of the Wnt–β-catenin signaling pathway in smooth muscle cells[1][2][6]. Podocan is involved in the modulation of extracellular matrix architecture, especially in kidney glomeruli and vascular tissues, and plays a role in injury response and tissue regeneration, including in skeletal muscle[1][2][4][6]. Elevated or altered podocan expression has been observed in diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome, making it a potential target for therapy and a biomarker for disease progression[2][3]. Clinical and preclinical research is ongoing on its prognostic and mechanistic roles in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, but there are currently no drugs specifically modulating podocan in clinical use.

Other names

SLRR5AUNQ293/PRO332PCANPODOCANMGC24995podocan proteoglycan

Not applicable (no direct drugs yet identified); anticipated mechanisms for future therapies include modulation of cell migration/proliferation or extracellular matrix remodeling