Glomerular Endothelial Cell Markers

Glomerular Endothelial Cell Overview

Glomerular endothelial cells (GEC) are specialized vascular endothelial cells that form the walls of glomerular tuft capillaries. GEC have characteristic 70-100 nm pores known as fenestrae which are covered by a glycocalyx of negatively-charged glycoproteins and glucosaminoglycans. The GEC glycocalyx is rich in PLVAP and is distinct from that found in other fenestrated capillary beds. GEC produce PDGF-BB which is critical for mesangial cell generation and maintenance. GEC themselves are dependent on VEGF, VEGF-C, and Angiopoetins derived from mesangial cells and podocytes. Endothelial cell dysfunction leads to pathologic angiogenesis, inflammatory cell adhesion, increased fenestrae permeability, and proteinuria. Glomerular endothelial cells are highly susceptible to thrombotic injury in preeclampsia, thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA), and hemolytic uremic syndromes. In diabetic kidney disease (DKD), GEC respond with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.