CD2-associated protein and the kidney

During the past 3 years there have been significant advances in our understanding of the biology of the glomerular podocyte. In particular, two proteins, CD2-associated protein and nephrin, have been identified as critical podocyte proteins that are both required for normal glomerular filtration. In addition to supporting the idea that the slit diaphragm plays a crucial role in glomerular function, these results suggest novel insights into the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. The present review addresses these recent advances and discusses the implications of the findings.