New insights into the molecular biology of the glomerular filtration barrier and associated disease

• Published in: Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.) Vol. 10; no. 2; pp. 157 - 166
• Main Authors: LEVIDIOTIS, VICKI, POWER, DAVID A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Science Pty 01-04-2005
• Subjects: Animals; Basement Membrane - pathology; Basement Membrane - physiology; Collagen Type IV - genetics; endothelial cells; glomerular basement membrane; Humans; Integrins - genetics; Kidney Diseases - genetics; Kidney Diseases - pathology; Kidney Diseases - physiopathology; Kidney Glomerulus - pathology; Kidney Glomerulus - physiology; Laminin - genetics; molecular biology; podocytes; proteinuria; Proteoglycans - genetics
• ISSN: 1320-5358; 1440-1797
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.2005.00385.x

The glomerular filtration barrier of the kidney can no longer be considered as an inert and adynamic structure, viewed by electron microscopy. Molecular biology, medical genetics and protein chemistry have enabled us to further understand the complex structure and function of this highly specialized barrier of the kidney. Minor aberrations of physiology can lead to fatal disease. Recent advances in the understanding of the physiology of endothelial cells, glomerular epithelial cells and the glomerular basement membrane and its components, and how these relate to disease, will be considered systematically.