Abstract
The renal glomerulus is an elegant structure that serves as an exquisitely selective plasma filtration unit. The glomerulus has been conserved throughout evolution and has a basic cellular organization common in the primitive kidneys of fishes and amphibious vertebrates to the more advanced kidneys of birds, reptiles, and mammals. The normal development and integrity of the glomerulus are essential for the efficient removal of metabolic wastes without inadvertent loss of vital plasma components such as proteins and blood cells into urine. Intensive research over the years has uncovered the interplay between the different cells that comprise the glomerulus, and the genes that help shape and maintain glomerular integrity. We summarize here our current understanding of glomerular development and function, and recent findings providing insights into the etiology of renal disease resulting from glomerular maldevelopment and dysfunction.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Kidney Development, Disease, Repair and Regeneration |
Editors | MH Little |
Place of Publication | London |
Publisher | Elsevier Science Ltd. |
Pages | 103-119 |
Number of pages | 17 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128004388 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128001028 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2015 |
Keywords
- Endothelial surface layer
- Fenestrae
- Glomerular basement membrane
- Glomerular endothelial cell
- Glomerulus
- Mesangial cell
- Parietal epithelial cell
- Podocyte
- Proteinuria
- Slit diaphragm
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine