Nephrin and related proteins in the pathogenesis of nephropathy

The worldwide epidemic of chronic kidney disease is increasing, largely because of the increased incidence of diabetes. Deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of chronic kidney disease is emerging, which may lead to targeted pharmacotherapies. In this review we are focusing on nephrin and its related proteins at the podocyte slit diaphragm, a key to understand the first events leading to loss of kidney function.

Section editor:Michael S. Goligorsky – Renal Research Institute, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA