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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

From Constructs to Crystals – Towards Structure Determination of β-barrel Outer Membrane Proteins
Published on: July 4, 2016
Possible role of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein in calcium oxalate crystallisation
T Yoshioka1, T Koide, M Utsunomiya
1Department of Urology, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Abstract:
The role of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THGP) in the crystallisation of calcium oxalate was investigated. The results showed THGP to have a weak inhibitory effect on crystal growth. In contrast, urinary macromolecules showed a strong inhibitory effect. THGP should, therefore, not be considered the main component of urinary macromolecules which have a strong inhibitory effect on crystal growth. However, THGP did enhance crystal production in the early phase of crystallisation. It appears that THGP should be viewed as a promoter rather than an inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallisation at physiological concentrations.
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