Title:Actin-associated Proteins in the Pathogenesis of Podocyte Injury
Volume: 14
Issue: 7
Author(s): Fang-Fang He, Shan Chen, Hua Su, Xian-Fang Meng and Chun Zhang
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Actin cytoskeleton, α-actinin-4, CD2-associated protein, Foot processes, Podocyte, Slit diaphragm.
Abstract: Podocytes have a complex cellular architecture with interdigitating processes maintained by a precise organization
of actin filaments. The actin-based foot processes of podocytes and the interposed slit diaphragm form the final barrier
to proteinuria. The function of podocytes is largely based on the maintenance of the normal foot process structure
with actin cytoskeleton. Cytoskeletal dynamics play important roles during normal podocyte development, in maintenance
of the healthy glomerular filtration barrier, and in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. In this review, we focused on
recent findings on the mechanisms of organization and reorganization of these actin-related molecules in the pathogenesis
of podocyte injury and potential therapeutics targeting the regulation of actin cytoskeleton in podocytopathies.
