Lose the lipid: renoprotection conferred by Gb3 synthase knockout.

The ability of proximal tubule cells to internalize filtered proteins over a broad concentration range is essential for maintaining a protein-free urine but also renders these cells uniquely susceptible to cytotoxic damage. Morace et al. find that knockout of globotriaosylceramide synthase, an enzyme required for production of Gb3 and other members of the globo series of glycosphingolipids, impairs endocytic uptake of filtered proteins and preserves kidney function in mouse models of acute kidney injury.