Blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway improves autophagic activity and podocyte adhesion damage.[54] In experimental membranous nephropathy rats, curcumin, an extract of the Chinese herb Curcuma, can increase renal autophagy and decrease oxidative stress by inhibiting the expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.[55] Therefore, 1 method for treating IMN may involve controlling the expression of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The gene discussed is MTOR; the disease is membranous glomerulonephritis.