background:
The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) class of transcription factors govern cell fate determination by controlling a variety of cellular differentiation processes. POD-1 (podocyte-expressed 1, also designated capsulin or epicardin) is a nuclear bHLH protein that is involved in the specification of select mesodermal cell populations associated with heart, cranial skeletal muscle, gut and urogenital system. POD-1 is selectively expressed in mesenchymal cells at sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction in the kidney, lung, intestine, pancreas and the epicardium, which gives rise to the coronary arteries. This epithelial-mesenchymal interaction is involved in the formation of numerous internal organs. POD-1 is also expressed in the mesothelium that gives rise to the spleen and in cells that give rise to smooth muscle. In addition to its role in kidney morphogenesis and spleen organogenesis, POD-1 may play a role in the development and sex determination of the mammalian gonad.
Function:
Involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in kidney and lung morphogenesis that include epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis. May play a role in the specification or differentiation of one or more subsets of epicardial cell types.
Subunit:
Efficient DNA binding requires dimerization with another bHLH protein. Forms a heterodimer with TCF3 and binds the E box (5'-CANNTG-3').
Subcellular Location:
Nucleus.
Similarity:
Contains 1 basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) domain.
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 421697 Chicken
Entrez Gene: 510873 Cow
Entrez Gene: 6943 Human
Entrez Gene: 21412 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 252856 Rat
Omim: 603306 Human
SwissProt: Q5E9S3 Cow
SwissProt: O4736 Human
SwissProt: O35437 Mouse
Unigene: 78061 Human
Unigene: 16497 Mouse
Important Note:
This product as supplied is intended for research use only, not for use in human, therapeutic or diagnostic applications.
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