Background Synaptopodin (Synpo) is an actin-associated protein in podocytes and dendritic
spines. Many functions in regulating the actin cytoskeleton via RhoA and other pathways
have been ascribed to Synpo, yet no pathogenic mutations in the SYNPO gene have been
discovered in patients. Naturally occurring Synpo isoforms are known (Synpo-short and-
long), and a novel truncated version (Synpo-T) is upregulated in podocytes from Synpo
mutant mice. Synpo-T maintains some Synpo functions, which may prevent a podocyte …