Thrombospondin Type 1 Domain–Containing 7A Localizes to the Slit Diaphragm and Stabilizes Membrane Dynamics of Fully Differentiated Podocytes

About 3%-5% of adults with membranous nephropathy have autoantibodies directed against thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A), a podocyte-expressed transmembrane protein. However, the temporal and spatial expression of THSD7A and its biologic function for podocytes are unknown, information that is needed to understand the effects of THSD7A autoantibodies in this disease.Using a variety of microscopic techniques, we analyzed THSD7A...