The Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

FSGS is the final common pathway to nephron loss in most forms of severe or progressive glomerular injury. Although podocyte injury initiates FSGS, parietal epithelial cells (PECs) are the main effectors. Because PDGF takes part in fibrotic processes, we hypothesized that the ligand PDGF-B and its receptor PDGFR- β participate in the origin and progression of FSGS.