However, our findings propose that stable overexpression of heparanase in podocytes may exert cytoprotection via enhancement of podocyte viability, lysosomal activity and autophagic flux, pari passu with attenuation of apoptosis, elicited early after the induction of injury in experimental model of Adriamycin-induced nephropathy. The gene discussed is HPSE; the disease is kidney disorder.