Background
Podoplanin, also known asPDPN, is a type-I integral membrane glycoprotein with diverse distribution in human tissues. The physiological function of this protein may be related to its mucin-type character. The homologous protein in other species has been described as a differentiation antigen and influenza-virus receptor. The specific function of this protein has not been determined. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been identified.PDPN is a mucin-type glycoprotein negatively charged by extensive O-glycosylation and a high content of sialic acid, which expresses the adhesive property. It is selectively expressed in lymphatic endothelium as well as lymphangiomas, Kaposi sarcomas, and in a subset of angiosarcomas with probable lymphatic differentiation. PDPN may contribute to form odontoblastic fiber or function as the anchorage to the tooth development and in proliferating epithelial cells of cervical loop and apical bud. The intensity of podoplanin expression is negatively correlated with the expression of CD34 and factor VIII. Podoplanin would be useful as a diagnostic marker for epithelioid hemangioendothelioma in liver tumors.
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