Authors: Monica Ceol, Emilia Tiralongo, Hans J. Baelde, Daniela Vianello, Giovanni Betto, Annunziata Marangelli, Luciana Bonfante, Marialuisa Valente, Mila Della Barbera, Angela D’Angelo, Franca Anglani, Dorella Del Prete
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045605
Abstract Summary
Researchers discovered that ClC-5, a protein involved in albumin processing, is expressed in podocytes—specialized kidney cells. In biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy and membranous glomerulopathy, ClC-5 levels were significantly elevated compared to controls. This overexpression in proteinuric patients suggests podocytes actively participate in albumin handling during disease states, challenging traditional views of kidney protein filtration.
Why Brain? 🧠
ClC-5 protein, known for albumin uptake in kidney tubules, is newly found in podocytes and overexpressed in proteinuric diseases, suggesting podocytes actively handle protein in nephrotic syndrome.
The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.
