Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Isolation, Characterization, And High Throughput Extracellular Flux Analysis of Mouse Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells
Published on: June 20, 2018
Proteinuria and tubular cells: Plasticity and toxicity
Anna Faivre1,2, Thomas Verissimo1, Sophie de Seigneux1,2
1Department of Medicine, Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Aim:
Proteinuria is the most robust predictive factors for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and interventions targeting proteinuria reduction have shown to be the most effective nephroprotective treatments to date. While glomerular dysfunction is the primary source of proteinuria, its consequences extend beyond the glomerulus and have a profound impact on tubular epithelial cells. Indeed, proteinuria induces notable phenotypic changes in tubular epithelial cells and plays a crucial role in driving CKD progression. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the tubular handling of proteins and explore the potential effects of proteinuria on the function of tubular epithelial cells.
Methods:
This paper is a narrative review. Litterature review was performed on PubMed from its inception until 2024, focusing on the effects of proteinuria on tubular cells.
Results:
The review highlights the toxic effects of plasma proteins on tubular epithelial cells through signal transduction pathways, as well as endoplasmic reticulum stress activation, oxidative stress, and metabolic alterations. Additionally, it provides an updated understanding of the dynamic phenotypic changes occurring within the nephron in response to proteinuria.
Conclusions:
By examining the intricate interplay between proteinuria and tubular epithelial cells, this review sheds light on key factors contributing to CKD progression and unveils potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Physiology of Urine Formation
Glomerular Filtration
The first stage in urine formation is glomerular filtration. Each kidney contains approximately 1 million nephrons, the functional units of filtration, with a...
Renal Tubule and Collecting Duct
Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCT):
The PCT is the initial segment of the renal tubule, extending from the Bowman's capsule that encloses the glomerulus. Its convoluted structure and microvilli-lined cells increase the surface area for reabsorption. The PCT reabsorbs glucose, amino acids, sodium, and water from the filtrate, ensuring essential...
Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion
Tubular reabsorption is a selective process that starts when the filtrate enters the proximal tubules. It involves substances traveling through the transcellular route (through the tubule cell and peritubular...
Nephrons
Drug Elimination by Renal Route: Tubular Secretion
Renal Drug Excretion: Tubular Secretion

