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Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Overview of C3 Glomerulopathy
Vimal Master Sankar Raj1, Roberto Gordillo1, Deepa H Chand2
1University of Illinois College of Medicine , Peoria, IL , USA.
Insights
C3 glomerulopathy encompasses rare kidney diseases characterized by C3 deposition. This review explores the complement system and potential pharmaceutical treatments for these conditions.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Complement System Biology
Background:
- C3 glomerulopathy comprises rare kidney diseases.
- Characterized by defects in the alternate complement cascade.
- Dominant C3 deposition in glomeruli is a common histological feature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the complement system.
- To discuss mediators involved in C3 glomerulopathy.
- To introduce pharmaceutical agents targeting the complement pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of complement system and C3 glomerulopathy.
- Analysis of histological findings in C3 glomerulopathy.
- Overview of current and emerging therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- The alternate complement cascade plays a critical role in C3 glomerulopathy pathogenesis.
- Understanding complement mediators is key to diagnosis and treatment.
- Several pharmaceutical agents are being investigated to modulate the complement pathway.
Conclusions:
- C3 glomerulopathy requires a comprehensive understanding of complement dysregulation.
- Targeting the complement cascade offers promising therapeutic avenues.
- Further research into complement inhibitors is essential for managing these rare diseases.
Abstract:
C3 glomerulopathy is an umbrella term, which includes several rare forms of glomerulonephritis (GN) with underlying defects in the alternate complement cascade. A common histological feature noted in all these GN is dominant C3 deposition in the glomerulus. In this review, we will provide an overview of the complement system as well as mediators, with an introduction to pharmaceutical agents that can alter the pathway.
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