Kidney Mitochondrial Carrier Protein 1 (KMCP1)

Both mouse and human KMCP1 encode a deduced 291-amino acid protein with a calculated molecular mass of 32 kD. Like other mitochondrial carrier proteins, KMCP1 has a 3-fold repeat structure of 100 amino acids and characteristic mitochondrial motifs. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected highest Kmcp1 expression in kidney, followed by testis and white adipose tissue, with weak expression in all other tissues examined. PCR analysis of microdissected nephron segments showed high expression of Kmcp1 in proximal tubules, with weaker expression in distal tubules and surrounding nephron segments. Kmcp1 expression was barely detected in glomeruli, the medullary part of the loop of Henle, and collecting ducts. Western blot analysis of mouse kidney and enriched mouse kidney mitochondria revealed a 30-kD Kmcp1 protein.