Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Podocytes: the Weakest Link in Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Jamie S Lin1, Katalin Susztak2
1Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
Abstract:
Diabetes is increasing in prevalence and is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States. Diabetic kidney disease is considered a proteinuric glomerular disease. Although the glomerulus is composed of various cell types, research suggests that podocytes are critical to overall glomerular health. Podocyte injury has been identified as a pivotal event resulting in proteinuric kidney disease, glomerulosclerosis, and loss of renal function. Thus, understanding the signaling mechanisms that trigger podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease might allow for the development of targeted therapeutics to prevent or ameliorate progression to end-stage renal failure. This review focuses on the role of podocytes in diabetic kidney disease.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...
Nephrons
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

