Low levels of the adipocyte-secreted protein adiponectin correlate with albuminuria in both
mice and humans, but whether adiponectin has a causative role in modulating renal disease
is unknown. Here, we first generated a mouse model that allows induction of caspase-8–
mediated apoptosis specifically in podocytes upon injection of a construct-specific agent.
These POD-ATTAC mice exhibited significant kidney damage, mimicking aspects of human
renal disease, such as foot process effacement, mesangial expansion, and …