Glomerular visceral epithelial cells (podocytes) play a critical role in the maintenance of
glomerular permselectivity. Podocyte injury, manifesting as proteinuria, is the cause of many
glomerular diseases. We reported previously that calcium-independent phospholipase A 2 γ
(iPLA 2 γ) is cytoprotective against complement-mediated glomerular epithelial cell injury.
Studies in iPLA 2 γ KO mice have demonstrated an important role for iPLA 2 γ in
mitochondrial lipid turnover, membrane structure, and metabolism. The aim of the present …

Address for correspondence: Andrey V. Cybulsky, MD, Division of Nephrology, Research
Institute EM13238, 1001 Decarie Blvd. Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1. Tel: 1-514-934-
1934 x 76299. Fax: 1-514-933-8784. E-mail: andrey. cybulsky@ mcgill. ca; Tomoko Takano,
MD, PhD, Division of Nephrology, Research Institute EM13244, 1001 Decarie Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4A 3J1. Tel: 1-514-934-1934 x 76180. Fax: 1-514-933-8784. E-
mail: tomoko. takano@ mcgill. ca