Actin dynamics at focal adhesions: a common endpoint and putative therapeutic target for proteinuric kidney diseases.

ABSTRACT: Proteinuria encompasses diverse causes including both genetic diseases and acquired forms such as diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy. The basis of proteinuria is a disturbance in size selectivity of the glomerular filtration barrier, which largely depends on the podocyte: a terminally differentiated epithelial cell type covering the outer surface of the glomerulus. Compromised podocyte structure is one of the earliest signs of glomerular injury. The phenotype of diverse animal models and podocyte cell culture firmly established the essential role of the actin cytoskeleton in maintaining functional podocyte structure. Podocyte foot processes, actin-based membrane extensions, contain 2 molecularly distinct "hubs" that control actin dynamics: a slit diaphragm and focal adhesions. Although

SUBMITTER: Sever S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5967993 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature