Autophagy as a Therapeutic Target in Diabetic Nephropathy

Figure 3

Schematic representation of nephron. The basic unit of the kidney is the nephron, which consists of a glomerulus and a series of tubules lined by a continuous layer of epithelial cells. The glomerulus consists of mesangial cells and a capillary wall with endothelial cells, glomerular basement membrane, and visceral epithelial cells (podocytes). Fluid containing albumins and waste products is filtered through glomerulus, enters urinary space, and is reabsorbed by the proximal tubular cells.