This gene encodes a glycoprotein that is restricted within the kidney to the basement membranes underlying the epithelium of Bowman's capsule and proximal and distal tubules. Autoantibodies against this protein are found in sera of patients with tubulointerstital nephritis, membranous nephropathy and anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis. Ontogeny studies suggest that the expression of this antigen is developmentally regulated in a precise spatial and temporal pattern throughout nephrogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2011].