Editing Podocyte (section)

== Structure ==
[[File:Glomerular Physiology.png|thumb|Illustration of [[Bowman's capsule]], and [[glomerular capillaries]] wrapped by podocytes]]
A podocyte has a complex structure. Its cell body has extending major or primary processes that form secondary processes as '''podocyte foot processes''' or pedicels.<ref name="Reiser"/> The primary processes are held by [[microtubule]]s and [[intermediate filament]]s. The [[foot process]]es have an actin-based cytoskeleton.<ref name="Reiser">{{cite journal |vauthors=Reiser J, Altintas MM |title=Podocytes |journal=F1000Res |volume=5 |issue= |date=2016 |page=114 |pmid=26918173 |pmc=4755401 |doi=10.12688/f1000research.7255.1 |doi-access=free |url=}}</ref> Podocytes are found lining the Bowman's capsules in the [[nephron]]s of the kidney. The pedicels or foot processes wrap around the [[glomerular capillaries]] to form the filtration slits.<ref>{{BUHistology|22401lba|inline=1}}</ref> The pedicels increase the surface area of the cells enabling efficient [[ultrafiltration (kidney)|ultrafiltration]].<ref>{{cite book| title= Essentials of Human Physiology| vauthors = Nosek TM | chapter=Epithelium; Cell Types |chapter-url=http://humanphysiology.tuars.com/program/section7/7ch04/7ch04p08.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324124828/http://humanphysiology.tuars.com/program/section7/7ch04/7ch04p08.htm|archive-date=2016-03-24}}</ref> 
[[File:Glomerulum of mouse kidney in Scanning Electron Microscope, magnification 5,000x.GIF|alt=|thumb|300x300px|Pedicels of podocytes interdigitating to create numerous filtration slits around glomerular capillaries in 5000x electron micrograph]]
Podocytes secrete and maintain the [[Glomerular basement membrane|basement membrane]].<ref name="lote" />

There are numerous coated [[vesicle (biology)|vesicles]] and coated pits along the basolateral domain of the podocytes which indicate a high rate of [[Vesicle (biology and chemistry)|vesicular traffic]].

Podocytes possess a well-developed [[endoplasmic reticulum]] and a large [[Golgi apparatus]], indicative of a high capacity for [[protein synthesis]] and [[post-translational modification]]s.

There is also growing evidence of a large number of multivesicular bodies and other [[lysosome|lysosomal]] components seen in these cells, indicating a high [[endocytosis|endocytic]] activity.

===Energy needs===
Podocytes require a significant amount of energy to preserve the structural integrity of their foot processes, given the substantial mechanical stress they endure during the glomerular filtration process.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Baek |first1=J |last2=Lee |first2=YH |last3=Jeong |first3=HY |last4=Lee |first4=SY |title=Mitochondrial quality control and its emerging role in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. |journal=Kidney Research and Clinical Practice |date=September 2023 |volume=42 |issue=5 |pages=546–560 |doi=10.23876/j.krcp.22.233 |pmid=37448292 |pmc=10565453}}</ref>

Dynamic changes in glomerular capillary pressure exert both tensile and stretching forces on podocyte foot processes, and can lead to mechanical strain on their [[cytoskeleton]]. Concurrently, fluid flow shear stress is generated by the movement of glomerular ultrafiltrate, exerting a tangential force on the surface of these foot processes.<ref name=tensile>{{cite journal |last1=Blaine |first1=J |last2=Dylewski |first2=J |title=Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton in Podocytes. |journal=Cells |date=16 July 2020 |volume=9 |issue=7 |page=1700 |doi=10.3390/cells9071700 |doi-access=free| pmid=32708597|pmc=7408282 }}</ref>

In order to preserve their intricate foot process architecture, podocytes require a substantial [[Adenosine triphosphate|ATP]] expenditure to maintain their structure and cytoskeletal organization, counteract the elevated glomerular capillary pressure and stabilize the capillary wall.<ref name="tensile" />