Nephrin AKTs on actin: The slit diaphragm-actin cytoskeleton signaling network expands.

Regulation and maintenance of the actin cytoskeleton of podocytes has emerged as a critical process for preserving glomerular permselectivity. Signaling through nephrin, a crucial component of the slit diaphragm, can lead to rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Zhu et al. identify phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent activation of Akt and Rac as mediators of nephrin-induced actin reorganization, expanding the signaling network linking two of the podocyte's unique structures, its actin cytoskeleton and the slit diaphragm.