Tissue distribution and subcellular localization of the family of Kidney Ankyrin Repeat Domain (KANK) proteins

Kidney Ankyrin Repeat-containing Proteins (KANKs) comprise a family of four evolutionary conserved proteins (KANK1 to 4) that localize the belt mature focal adhesions (FAs) where they regulate integrin-mediated adhesion, actomyosin contractility, and link FAs cortical microtubule stabilization complex (CMSC). The human KANK were first identified in kidney have been associated with cancer nephrotic syndrome. Here, we report distributions subcellular localizations Kank mRNAs mouse tissues. We found members display distinct rarely overlapping expression patterns. Whereas KANK1 is expressed at basal side epithelial cells all tissues tested, KANK2 mainly observed plasma membrane and/or cytoplasm mesenchymal KANK3 exclusively vascular lymphatic endothelial cells. KANK4 shows least widespread pattern when present, overlaps contractile cells, such as smooth muscle pericytes. Our findings show KANKs are widely cell type-specific manner, which suggests cell- tissue-specific functions.