Identification of podocin (NPHS2) gene mutations in African Americans with nondiabetic end-stage renal disease.

Background: Podocin, encoded by NPHS2 and mapped to 1q25.2, is an integral membrane protein exclusively expressed in glomerular podocytes. Mutations in the NPHS2 gene cause autosomal-recessive nephrotic syndrome and have been associated with proteinuria in several populations.