In this study, we cannot exclude other Notch receptors (Notch 2-4) may also contribute to regulating podocyte function since emerging evidence have verified re-expression of Notch 2-4 in podocyte of mice under pathological conditions including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), rapid progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and DN 12, 38, 39. This evidence concerns the gene NOTCH2 and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.