Kidney stone matrix proteins: Role in stone formation

Table 1 Kidney stone matrix proteins as modulators of crystallization

Matrix protein name	Primary function	Celular origin	Secondary function	Mol. weight (KDal)
Uromodulin	Inhibits crystal aggregation	Epithelial cells of the TALH	Reduces local oxidative stress	87
Calgranulins	Inhibit crystal growth and aggregation	Cells of myeloid origin	Participate in innate immuneresponse	10.9-13.2
Osteopontin	Inhibits/Enhances crystal formation and aggregation	Distal tubular epithelial cells	Regulator of immune response	14
Bikunin	Inhibits crystal nucleation, growth, and aggregation	Proximal tubules and the thin descending segment	Inhibition of the action of many serine proteinases	39
Nephrocalcin	Inhibit crystal nucleation, growth, and aggregation	Proximal tubule epithelial cells and TALH	None	18

TALH: Thick ascending limb of Henle.