The signaling pathways of LMX1B and its role in glomerulosclerosis

LMX1B, a developmental LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, is widely expressed in vertebrate embryos, and it takes part in the development of diverse structures such as limbs, kidneys, eyes, brains, etc. LMX1B contributes to transcriptional regulation of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) collagen expression by podocytes. The normal function of podocytes and the normal morphology of GBM are very important to maintain the healthy renal filtration barrier. Recent discoveries find that the LMX1B gene is pivotal in glomus development and it is implicated in the dysfunction of the podocytes. Here, we review the signal transduction pathways of LMX1B and its role in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis.