Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TINAG)

Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TINAG) is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein encoded by the TINAG gene, primarily restricted to basement membranes in the kidney, including the epithelium of Bowman’s capsule and both proximal and distal tubules. Originally identified as a target antigen for autoantibodies in some forms of immunologically mediated tubulointerstitial nephritis, it plays a selective role in renal tubule development (tubulogenesis) without affecting glomerulogenesis. TINAG mediates cell-matrix adhesion by interacting with integrins (notably α3β1 and αvβ3), but unlike many matrix proteins lacks an RGD sequence. Expression of TINAG is developmentally regulated in the kidney, with evidence that disruption (e.g., by antibodies or developmental antisense knockdown) leads to tubular dysmorphogenesis and impaired renal development. Its main clinical significance is as an autoantigen in autoimmune kidney disorders, particularly tubulointerstitial nephritis and anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis[1][2][4].

Other names

TINAGTIN-AgTIN-AGtubulointerstitial nephritis antigen