Figure 4.

Proposed mechanism on the role of GEnC in the development of glomerular sclerotic diseases. Harmful environmental conditions, such as hyperglycemia and hypoxia cause GEnC dysfunction. GEnC dysfunction is characterized by a compromised endothelial glycocalyx, an inflammatory phenotype, mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, aberrant signaling and EndMT, resulting in proteinuria, podocyte damage or loss, mesangial activation, and ultimately glomerulosclerosis.