Balancing calcium signals through TRPC5 and TRPC6 in podocytes.

Calcium (Ca(2+)) ions are important mediators of cellular homeostasis owing to their ability to elicit a dynamic, transient, and tightly regulated range of biochemical responses. More than a decade ago, a nonselective, Ca(2+)-permeable, cationic conductance was identified in podocytes downstream of angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling, but its molecular structure remained elusive. Six years ago, transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) mutations were found in families with hereditary FSGS, and TRPC5 and TRPC6 channels are now known as the Ca(2+) influx pathways for this previously described, nonselective, cationic current in podocytes. Ang II activation engages this Ca(2+) influx to modulate the actin cytoskeleton in podocytes. These discoveries dovetail with previously described regulation of actin dynamics by the Ca(2+)-activated phosphatase, calcineurin, and the emergence of Rho GTPases as critical regulators of podocyte function in health and disease. Understanding the interconnected signaling regulated by Ca(2+) currents offers potential new therapeutic targets and highlights the notion that synergistic therapies targeting multiple levels of biochemistry may be useful in treating proteinuric kidney disease.