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Updated: May 18, 2026

Single-channel Analysis and Calcium Imaging in the Podocytes of the Freshly Isolated Glomeruli
Published on: June 27, 2015
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in podocytes
Dirk Oliver Wennmann1, Hsiang-Hao Hsu, Hermann Pavenstädt
1Department of Internal Medicine D, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany.
Abstract:
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a critical role in kidney function and its inhibition reduces proteinuria and preserves kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. Recent studies have shown that podocytes generate many components of the RAAS and they express receptors of RAAS, including angiotensin II, mineralocorticoid, and prorenin receptors. Crucial functions of podocytes, such as contraction, apoptosis, autophagocytosis, and cytoskeletal organization, have been shown to be regulated by the angiotensin II type 1 receptors. An activation of the glomerular RAAS and protection from podocyte injury by RAAS inhibitors have been shown in many glomerular diseases. Exploring the interaction between the local RAAS and the signaling involved in RAAS activation in podocytes will lead to new therapeutic strategies of podocyte protection.
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