The slit diaphragm spans podocyte foot processes, effacement of which is a feature common to all glomerular diseases. Recent work in nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis has led to identification of mutations in several gene products that function at the slit diaphragm, such as nephrin, Neph1 and podocin. Johnstone and Holzman predict that these molecular insights will facilitate disease classification and optimization of therapy.
- Duncan B Johnstone
- Lawrence B Holzman