The Glomerular Filtration Barrier: Components and Crosstalk

Figure 1

Components of the Glomerular filtration barrier with examples of crosstalk. This figure summarizes important signaling interactions between the 3 key components of the GFB and their putative involvement in human disease models (dotted arrows). Podocyte α3-β1 integrin interacts with GBM β-2 laminin; hyposialylated-podocyte-secreted Angp-4 may have an effect on the GBM and the endothelial cell in MCD models. sUPAR, a potential circulating “serum factor,” affects podocyte αV-β3 integrin in primary FSGS. Podocyte-endothelial cell interactions are affected by VEGF/VEGF-R blocking agents in preecclampsia while SDF-1-CXCR4 pathway is perturbed by Shiga toxins in HUS. Alternate pathway complement dysregulation and consequent endothelial components are central to MPGN and atypical HUS.