Glomerular podocytes and adhesive interaction with glomerular basement membrane

Normal podocyte function requires attachment to the underlying glomerular b asement membrane alteration or disruption of podocyte attachment occurs in many forms of glomerular injury, leading to the development of proteinuria and eventually progressive glomerulosclerosis. The inability of podocytes t o proliferate and thereby recover denuded glomerular basement membrane area s may be central to the pathogenesis of certain forms of glomerular disease s.