CD2-associated protein and the kidney

During the past 3 years there have been significant advances in our underst anding of the biology of the glomerular podocyte. In particular, two protei ns, CD2-associated protein and nephrin, have been identified as critical po docyte proteins that are both required for normal glomerular filtration. In addition to supporting the idea that the slit diaphragm plays a crucial ro le in glomerular function, these results suggest novel insights into the pa thogenesis of glomerular diseases. The present review addresses these recen t advances and discusses the implications of the findings. Curr Opin Nephro l Hypertens 10:19-22. (C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.