Persistent and increased leakage of protein in the urine (proteinuria) is abnormal and a consequence of an altered glomerular filtration barrier. Circulating serum proteins are normally filtered by the glomerulus, and a small amount of protein that is present in the filtrate is passed through the glomerular capillary wall and reabsorbed by the proximal tubule. Thus, proteinuria is considered a key marker for renal dysfunction and characterizes the severity of the underlying kidney disease. Proteinuria is also an independent predictor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Experimental basic research and clinical evidence, together with emerging clinical reports suggest the presence of a spectrum of disorders for which proteinuria is a typical occurrence. In the past twenty years, major progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of proteinuria was made. Spearheaded by the discovery that proteins located at the slit diaphragm of the glomerulus, which play a crucial role in the proper function of the glomerular filtration barrier, and now with genetic advances and a growing understanding of intercellular communications within the glomerulus, it has become clear that the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of proteinuria are complex.
Recently, recognition of the predictive link between proteinuria and disease progression to organ failure in kidney diseases has led to recommending proteinuria as an approvable primary endpoint by regulatory organizations, which will enable increased evaluation of investigational therapies in patients and accelerate the drug discovery process.
This Research Topic is timely given new technologies and multi-omics approaches that have led to the identification of new targets for proteinuric glomerular diseases. The primary focus of this Research Topic edition is to assemble cutting-edge views on different pathological components and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of proteinuria in a variety of kidney diseases and to discuss emerging therapeutic opportunities.
This Research Topic is the second edition of
Molecular Mechanisms of ProteinuriaPhoto credits: Kerstin Ebefors
Persistent and increased leakage of protein in the urine (proteinuria) is abnormal and a consequence of an altered glomerular filtration barrier. Circulating serum proteins are normally filtered by the glomerulus, and a small amount of protein that is present in the filtrate is passed through the glomerular capillary wall and reabsorbed by the proximal tubule. Thus, proteinuria is considered a key marker for renal dysfunction and characterizes the severity of the underlying kidney disease. Proteinuria is also an independent predictor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
Experimental basic research and clinical evidence, together with emerging clinical reports suggest the presence of a spectrum of disorders for which proteinuria is a typical occurrence. In the past twenty years, major progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of proteinuria was made. Spearheaded by the discovery that proteins located at the slit diaphragm of the glomerulus, which play a crucial role in the proper function of the glomerular filtration barrier, and now with genetic advances and a growing understanding of intercellular communications within the glomerulus, it has become clear that the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of proteinuria are complex.
Recently, recognition of the predictive link between proteinuria and disease progression to organ failure in kidney diseases has led to recommending proteinuria as an approvable primary endpoint by regulatory organizations, which will enable increased evaluation of investigational therapies in patients and accelerate the drug discovery process.
This Research Topic is timely given new technologies and multi-omics approaches that have led to the identification of new targets for proteinuric glomerular diseases. The primary focus of this Research Topic edition is to assemble cutting-edge views on different pathological components and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of proteinuria in a variety of kidney diseases and to discuss emerging therapeutic opportunities.
This Research Topic is the second edition of
Molecular Mechanisms of ProteinuriaPhoto credits: Kerstin Ebefors
