Kidney Res Clin Pract.  2013 Mar;32(1):3-10.

Transforming growth factor-beta and the glomerular filtration barrier

• Ghayur A
• Margetts P

Abstract

The increasing burden of chronic kidney disease worldwide and recent advancements in the understanding of pathologic events leading to kidney injury have opened up new potential avenues for therapies to further diminish progression of kidney disease by targeting the glomerular filtration barrier and reducing proteinuria. The glomerular filtration barrier is affected by many different metabolic and immune-mediated injuries. Glomerular endothelial cells, the glomerular basement membrane, and podocytes-the three components of the filtration barrier-work together to prevent the loss of protein and at the same time allow passage of water and smaller molecules. Damage to any of the components of the filtration barrier can initiate proteinuria and renal fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is a pleiotropic cytokine strongly associated with the fibrogenic response.It has a known role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In this review we will highlight what is known about TGF-beta and how it interacts with the components of glomerular filtration barrier and causes loss of function and proteinuria.

Keyword

Proteinuria; Podocyte; Glomerular endothelial cell; Transforming growth factor beta; Angiopoietin

MeSH Terms

Endothelial Cells
Fibrosis
Filtration
Glomerular Basement Membrane
Glomerular Filtration Barrier
Kidney
Kidney Diseases
Podocytes
Proteinuria
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Water
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Water