Podoplanin

It recognizes a muco-protein of 38-43kDa, which is identified as Podoplanin (PDPN). It is located in stromal cells of peripheral lymphoid tissue and thymic epithelial cells. As a regulator of the lymphatic endothelium, podoplanin probably plays a role in maintaining the unique shape of podocytes. It is selectively expressed in lymphatic endothelium as well as lymphangiomas, Kaposi sarcomas, and in a subset of angiosarcomas with probable lymphatic differentiation. Recent studies have also shown podoplanin to be a highly sensitive and relatively specific marker for epithelioid mesothelioma. Therefore, it can be used in a panel to distinguish mesotheliomas or mesothelial cells from pulmonary carcinomas.