title: Relevance of VEGF and nephrin expression in glomerular diseases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
authors.forename: Claudia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bertuccio