NPHS1 and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: We found podocyte specific genes (SYNPO, NPHS1) were down-regulated in glomeruli of FSGS patients compared with those of MCD patients, which is consistent with findings from Hodgin et al. Bennett et al[19] reported that genes implicated in kidney fibrosis, the TGF-β signaling pathway, transcription factors that drive chondrogenesis and fibrosis, were up-regulated in FSGS patients.