Podoplanin: Proteins and Enzymes

Podoplanin, also known as T1 alpha and Aggrus, is a mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein with extensive O-glycosylation. It is specifically expressed by lymphatic endothelial cells but not blood vascular endothelial cells. In addition, non-endothelial cells in numerous normal tissues also express the protein. Its functions include regulation of lymphatic vascular formation and platelet aggregation. Podoplanin expression is increased in human tumors of the small intestine, colon and rectum.