62.5
Teruo Hidaka
Juntendo University
Teruo Hidaka's research has significantly advanced our understanding of podocyte biology and its role in kidney disease. Studies have identified key proteins, such as neurofilament heavy polypeptide and cathepsin D, that protect against podocyte injury and proteinuria, while others, like Rac1 and Sall1, promote glomerular repair and limit sclerosis. Hidaka's work has also shed light on the importance of sorting nexin 9 in endocytic processes within injured podocytes and the detrimental effects of cathepsin D in pathogenesis of proteinuria and chronic kidney disease. These findings hold great promise for developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat kidney diseases, particularly those affecting podocyte function and integrity.