Dicer is an enzyme that generates microRNA (miRNA), which are small, noncoding RNA
that function as important regulators of gene and protein expression. For exploration of the
functional roles of miRNA in glomerular biology, Dicer was inactivated selectively in mouse
podocytes. Mutant mice developed proteinuria 4 to 5 weeks after birth and died several
weeks later, presumably from kidney failure. Multiple abnormalities were observed in
glomeruli of mutant mice, including foot process effacement, irregular and split areas of the …