Functional analysis of a novel glomerular specific gene and its application in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

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We identified R3h-domain containing like (R3h) as a podocyte-specific transcripts. The R3h knockout mice were created in order to know the function of R3h in vivo. Light microscopic analysis revealed that the R3h null mice had no observable glomerular developmental defects. However, an electron microscopic study revealed thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and effacement of the podocyte foot processes. When they are induced diabetes by the injection of streptozotocin, R3h null mice produced more albuminuria and decreased renal functions than the wild type controls. We identified R3h as a novel podocyte's specific gene which might have a role in the development of diabetic glomerular disease.