Mechanism of the Progression from Podocyte Injury to Glomerulosclerosis

Abstract

Glomerular visceral epithelial cells, also known as podocytes, are highly specialized epithelial cells that cover the outer layer of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Podocytes serve as the final barrier to urinary protein loss through the special formation and maintenance of foot processes (FPs) and an interposed slit diaphragm (SD). Chronic podocyte injury may cause podocyte detachment from the GBM, which leads to glomerulosclerosis. The elucidation of podocyte biology during the last decade has significantly improved our understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. This review highlights some of the recent findings for translating podocyte biology into new therapies and examinations for podocyte injury.