The podocyte forms the outer layer of the filtration barrier to prevent albumin leakage. Podocyte damage leads to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. I performed a genetic analysis of both familial and sporadic FSGS patients, and I investigated the role of the actin cytoskeleton in podocytes. We identified a new FSGS susceptibility gene, ARHGAP24, and showed that it was mutated in a family with FSGS. My work suggested that this balance between Rac and Rho might be important in FSGS. Using an inducible transgenic mouse model and multi-photon...
The podocyte forms the outer layer of the filtration barrier to prevent albumin leakage. Podocyte damage leads to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (...
