Endothelium structure and function in kidney health and disease
Top Cited Papers
- 3 January 2019
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Nature Reviews Nephrology
- Vol. 15 (2), 87-108
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-018-0098-z
Abstract
The kidney harbours different types of endothelia, each with specific structural and functional characteristics. The glomerular endothelium, which is highly fenestrated and covered by a rich glycocalyx, participates in the sieving properties of the glomerular filtration barrier and in the maintenance of podocyte structure. The microvascular endothelium in peritubular capillaries, which is also fenestrated, transports reabsorbed components and participates in epithelial cell function. The endothelium of large and small vessels supports the renal vasculature. These renal endothelia are protected by regulators of thrombosis, inflammation and complement, but endothelial injury (for example, induced by toxins, antibodies, immune cells or inflammatory cytokines) or defects in factors that provide endothelial protection (for example, regulators of complement or angiogenesis) can lead to acute or chronic renal injury. Moreover, renal endothelial cells can transition towards a mesenchymal phenotype, favouring renal fibrosis and the development of chronic kidney disease. Thus, the renal endothelium is both a target and a driver of kidney and systemic cardiovascular complications. Emerging therapeutic strategies that target the renal endothelium may lead to improved outcomes for both rare and common renal diseases.Keywords
This publication has 300 references indexed in Scilit:
- Recessive mutations in DGKE cause atypical hemolytic-uremic syndromeNature Genetics, 2013
- Improvement of endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity retards the progression of diabetic nephropathy in db/db miceKidney International, 2012
- Podocyte detachment and reduced glomerular capillary endothelial fenestration promote kidney disease in type 2 diabetic nephropathyKidney International, 2012
- Soluble FLT1 Binds Lipid Microdomains in Podocytes to Control Cell Morphology and Glomerular Barrier FunctionCell, 2012
- Genetic variants in novel pathways influence blood pressure and cardiovascular disease riskNature, 2011
- Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase prevents ROS-induced vascular contraction in angiotensin-II hypertensive miceJournal of the American Society of Hypertension, 2011
- Gain-of-function mutations in complement factor B are associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndromeProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2007
- The biology of VEGF and its receptorsNature Medicine, 2003
- Role of the Flt-1 receptor tyrosine kinase in regulating the assembly of vascular endotheliumNature, 1995
- Failure of blood-island formation and vasculogenesis in Flk-1-deficient miceNature, 1995