Podocytes are highly specialized epithelial cells that line the urinary surface of the
glomerular capillary tuft. To maintain kidney filtration, podocytes oppose the high
intraglomerular hydrostatic pressure, form a molecular sieve, secrete soluble factors to
regulate other glomerular cell types, and provide synthesis and maintenance of the
glomerular basement membrane. Impairment of any of these functions after podocyte injury
results in proteinuria and possibly renal failure. Loss of glomerular podocytes is a key …