Podocyte healthy self-eating boosted by a spermidine meal?

Abstract

The mechanisms sustaining a high level of autophagy in podocytes are not well delineated. Seminal studies had unraveled that the polyamine pathway is involved in the regulation of aging and autophagy. Polyamines (e.g., spermine, spermidine, and putrescine) are ubiquitous molecules essential for the physiological processes, including cell growth, development, and differentiation. Liang et al. examined the role of ornithine decarboxylase, and spermidine synthase, and demonstrated that endogenous spermidine is required to maintain intact podocyte autophagy.