NEPH1 is a member of the nephrin-like protein family, which includes NEPH2 (MIM 607761) and NEPH3 (MIM 607762). The cytoplasmic domains of these proteins interact with the C terminus of podocin (NPHS2; MIM 604766), and the genes are expressed in kidney podocytes, cells involved in ensuring size- and charge-selective ultrafiltration (Sellin et al., 2003 [PubMed 12424224]).
