Tyrosine kinase signaling in kidney glomerular podocytes

During the last decade, several key molecules have been identified as essential components for the filtration barrier function of kidney glomerular podocytes. Mutations in genes encoding these molecules severely impair the podocyte architecture in the affected patients, leading to the development of proteinuria. Extensive investigations have been performed on the function of these molecules, which highlights the importance of tyrosine kinase signaling in the podocytes. An Src family tyrosine kinase, Fyn, plays a major role in this signaling pathway. Here, we review the current understanding of this important signal transduction system and its role in the development and the maintenance of podocytes.