Recent years have seen an explosion of new information about the structure and function of the glomerular capillary wall and its role as a selective permeability barrier. Hematuria and proteinuria are hallmarks of glomerular injury but until recently, the knowledge of their mechanisms was only rudimentary. Modern techniques of molecular genetics have identified glomerular cell-specific gene products which, when altered, result in increased glomerular permeability. The study of rare human diseases, sophisticated gene-targeting approaches in rodents, advanced computer technology for modeling analyses and design/testing of novel therapeutic approaches have all contributed to a picture of exciting advance that will soon bring direct benefits to patients with early renal disease.
Keeping up with the rapidly evolving literature challenges even those directly involved in the field. Featuring detailed and up-to-date reviews of current knowledge by renowned experts to facilitate the understanding of recent developments, this publication will be a valuable resource for all involved in clinical and basic nephrology.
P.W. Mathieson
Cell Biology Molecular Biology Nephrology