Relevance of VEGF and Nephrin Expression in Glomerular Diseases

Abstract EN

The glomerular filtration barrier is affected in a large number of acquired and inherited diseases resulting in extensive leakage of plasma albumin and larger proteins, leading to nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease.

Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms governing the development of the nephrotic syndrome remain poorly understood.

Here, I give an overview of recent investigations that have focused on characterizing the interrelationships between the slit diaphragm components and podocytes-secreted VEGF, which have a significant role for maintaining the normal podocyte structure and the integrity of the filtering barrier.