New insights into disorders of basement membranes and integrins of the kidney

Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions control many key aspects of kidney cell function, including proliferation, survival, migration and matrix homeostasis. Deregulation of ECM components, such as collagens and laminins, and their integrin receptors can result in kidney damage and failure. The development of mouse models overexpressing and/or lacking specific matrix components and integrins in selective areas of the kidney has improved our understanding of molecular mechanisms and pathways that control kidney function in health and disease. In this review, we outline recent work on mouse models that better define the role of ECM and integrins in the kidney.