Glomerular basement membrane

The specialized extracellular matrix layer between glomerular endothelial cells and podocytes. It is a central part of the kidney’s filtration barrier, restricting passage of cells and many plasma proteins into urine.

Glomerular filtration barrier: The kidney structure that filters blood into the nephron while retaining blood cells and most plasma proteins. The basement membrane works alongside endothelial cells and podocytes as one layer of this barrier.
Glomerulus: A tuft of capillaries in the kidney that filters blood into the nephron. The basement membrane spans capillary loops within this filtration structure.
Alport syndrome: An inherited disorder caused by defects in type IV collagen that can damage kidney, ear, and eye tissues. Mutations in collagen chains alter the glomerular membrane and can cause progressive kidney disease.
Glomerular filtration slit: The narrow gap between neighboring podocyte foot processes, bridged by a specialized protein diaphragm. Unlike the basement membrane, this filtration layer is formed between podocyte processes.
Type IV collagen: A network-forming collagen that provides structural support in basement membranes. Its collagen network forms the principal structural scaffold of the glomerular basement membrane.
Podocyte: A specialized epithelial cell that wraps glomerular capillaries with interdigitating foot processes. Podocyte foot processes attach to the outer surface of the membrane.
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease: An autoimmune disease in which antibodies target basement membrane components in kidneys and sometimes lungs. The membrane is the direct target of the antibodies that drive this disease.
Fenestrated capillary: A capillary whose endothelial cells contain pores that facilitate exchange between blood and surrounding tissue. Its pores provide a distinct blood-facing filtration route before fluid crosses the membrane.
Laminin: A family of extracellular matrix proteins that organize basement membranes and support cell attachment. Laminin networks help assemble the membrane and anchor its adjoining cells.
Basement membrane: A thin, specialized extracellular matrix sheet that supports cells and separates tissue compartments. The glomerular membrane is a specialized basement membrane with distinctive composition and function.

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