Podocytes in health and glomerular disease

• DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1564847
• Publication Date: 2025-04-24T05:24:37Z
• Authors: Joanna Cunanan; Daniel Zhang; Anna Julie Peired; Moumita Barua
• Keywords: Slit diaphragm

Podocytes are highly specialized, terminally differentiated cells in the glomerulus of kidney and these play a central role blood filtration. In this review, we comprehensively describe cell biology podocytes under healthy conditions glomerular disorders wherein podocyte injury is major pathological mechanism. First, molecular mechanisms that maintain actin cytoskeleton structure, permanent cycle exit, metabolism described. Secondly, injury, including genetic alterations external insults ultimately disrupt dynamics or interrupt quiescence mitochondrial discussed. This understanding forms basis described potential therapeutic agents act by modulating dysregulated organization, prevent reverse re-entry, re-establish normal energy production. Lastly, application modern techniques such as single RNA sequencing, super resolution microscopy, atomic force organoids improving mechanistic podocytopathy knowledge. Taken together, our review provides critical insights into cellular leading to loss, necessary for advancement development diseases.