Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions01:26

Tension Response at Adherens Junctions

3.7K
The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin...
3.7K
Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration01:32

Cytoskeletal Coordination in Cell Migration

5.6K
A migrating cell changes its shape during the cyclic events of attachment and detachment from the substratum and repositions the cell organelles correspondingly. These complex events are orchestrated by the dynamic cytoskeletal network comprising actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules. Cytoskeletal crosstalk — the direct and indirect communication between the different components — is crucial for this coordination. Direct communication involves various linker...
5.6K
Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

6.2K
The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
6.2K
Cell Motility through Blebbing01:16

Cell Motility through Blebbing

2.6K
Blebs are a type of membrane protrusion formed by the internal hydrostatic pressure of the cytoplasm. Blebs are observed in several cell types, including fibroblasts, immune cells, and single-celled organisms like the amoeba. The primary function of blebs is cell locomotion and apoptosis, but they are also found during necrosis and cell division. The life cycle of a bleb comprises an initiation phase followed by the expansion and retraction phases.
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...
2.6K
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

3.7K
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
3.7K
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

3.3K
Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
3.3K

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Multiple myeloma with spinal involvement: Renal dysfunction and albuminuria are associated with progressive sarcopenia in a longitudinal CT morphometric study.

Brain & spine·2026
Same author

Association of the inflammatory marker suPAR with chronic pruritus of unknown origin - data from the SOMA.PRU study.

Frontiers in immunology·2026
Same author

Cilia to basement membrane signaling is a biomechanical driver in models of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

The Journal of clinical investigation·2026
Same author

Daratumumab as rescue therapy in refractory recurrent FSGS after kidney transplantation: a case series.

Transplant international : official journal of the European Society for Organ Transplantation·2026
Same author

Kidney dysfunction is associated with mortality, adverse CT-based muscle metrics, and functional decline in surgically treated liposarcomas of the extremities and trunk.

PloS one·2026
Same author

Admission creatinine and outcomes in very elderly critically ill patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BMC geriatrics·2026

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies
08:52

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies

Published on: May 26, 2023

3.1K

The Evolving Complexity of the Podocyte Cytoskeleton.

Christoph Schell1,2, Tobias B Huber3,4,5

  • 1Institute of Surgical Pathology and.

Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN
|September 3, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Podocytes are kidney cells that help filter blood. Their cytoskeleton is crucial for maintaining the filtration barrier. Disruption of the cytoskeleton leads to kidney disease and proteinuria. Genetic mutations and acquired pathologies both affect the cytoskeleton. This review summarizes how the cytoskeleton functions in podocytes and its role in disease. Understanding these mechanisms may lead to new treatments for kidney disorders.

Keywords:
cytoskeletonglomerular diseasenephrotic syndromepodocytePodocyte cytoskeletonGlomerular diseaseCytoskeletal functionKidney filtration barrier

Frequently Asked Questions

More Related Videos

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions
08:06

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions

Published on: July 2, 2020

5.1K
Imaging of Podocytic Proteins Nephrin, Actin, and Podocin with Expansion Microscopy
06:18

Imaging of Podocytic Proteins Nephrin, Actin, and Podocin with Expansion Microscopy

Published on: April 23, 2021

7.6K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies
08:52

Author Spotlight: Generation of Patient-Derived Podocytes from Skin Biopsies

Published on: May 26, 2023

3.1K
Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions
08:06

Guided Differentiation of Mature Kidney Podocytes from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Under Chemically Defined Conditions

Published on: July 2, 2020

5.1K
Imaging of Podocytic Proteins Nephrin, Actin, and Podocin with Expansion Microscopy
06:18

Imaging of Podocytic Proteins Nephrin, Actin, and Podocin with Expansion Microscopy

Published on: April 23, 2021

7.6K

Area of Science:

  • Renal physiology and pathology
  • Cellular cytoskeleton dynamics
  • Molecular mechanisms of kidney disease

Background:

Podocytes are specialized cells in the kidney that play a critical role in filtration. Their cytoskeleton is essential for maintaining the filtration barrier. Prior research has shown that the cytoskeleton controls podocyte shape and stability. It also influences slit diaphragm insertion and adhesion. Disruption of this structure leads to proteinuria and glomerular disease. Genetic mutations affecting the cytoskeleton are linked to kidney dysfunction. Acquired glomerular pathologies also converge on cytoskeletal disruption. This gap motivated a review of current understanding. The need for targeted therapeutic approaches remains unmet.

Purpose Of The Study:

This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on podocyte cytoskeletal function. It focuses on the role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining filtration. The study addresses how cytoskeletal mutations lead to disease. It also explores how acquired pathologies affect the cytoskeleton. The motivation is to identify potential therapeutic targets. Understanding cytoskeletal dynamics is key for future treatments. The authors propose a framework for future research. This work contributes to the broader field of renal disease mechanisms.

Main Methods:

The authors conducted a literature review to compile current findings. They analyzed genetic mutations affecting the cytoskeleton. They examined how cytoskeletal changes lead to proteinuria. The review includes studies on slit diaphragm dynamics. It also covers adhesion and plasticity mechanisms. The authors evaluated how environmental stimuli influence cytoskeletal function. They synthesized evidence from multiple disciplines. The approach integrates molecular and structural data.

Main Results:

The cytoskeleton regulates podocyte shape and stability. Genetic mutations disrupt this structure, causing kidney disease. Acquired pathologies also converge on cytoskeletal disruption. The cytoskeleton controls slit diaphragm insertion and adhesion. Environmental stimuli alter cytoskeletal dynamics. These changes lead to loss of filtration efficiency. Proteinuria is a direct result of cytoskeletal dysfunction. The findings suggest potential for targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

The cytoskeleton is central to podocyte function and filtration. Genetic and acquired disruptions lead to glomerular disease. Therapeutic strategies may benefit from targeting cytoskeletal pathways. The authors propose that cytoskeletal integrity is essential for kidney health. Current findings support the need for further research. No prior work had resolved the full extent of cytoskeletal roles. The review highlights gaps in understanding. Future studies should explore cytoskeletal dynamics in detail.

Cytoskeletal disruption causes proteinuria and glomerular disease by impairing filtration barrier stability.

The slit diaphragm is regulated by the cytoskeleton to maintain filtration and adhesion between podocytes.

The cytoskeleton controls podocyte shape and dynamic response to environmental stimuli.

Genetic mutations in cytoskeletal components lead to proteinuria and glomerular disease.

Acquired pathologies converge on cytoskeletal disruption, leading to filtration dysfunction.

The study suggests that targeting cytoskeletal pathways may offer new treatment strategies for kidney disease.