Podocalyxin and kidney diseases

Selectivity of blood filtration by the renal glomerulus is largely determined by the presence in its visceral epithelium of the terminally differentiated “octopus-like” cells called podocytes. Podocalyxin (PODXL) is a major transmembrane glycoprotein located on the podocytes’ apical surface. Recently, the appearance of PODXL in urine has been considered a marker of nephropathy. The purpose of this review article is to analyze the data of studies on the structural and functional features of podocalyxin and its value in diagnostic, prognostic and potential therapeutic relevance in most common kidney diseases. Keywords: diabetic nephropathy, kidney diseases, podocalyxin, podocyte, renal glomerulus