Differentially altered expression of transcripts of retinoic acid receptors α, β, γ (Rarα, β, γ), which mediate the actions of all-trans retinoic acid (RA), is observed in glomeruli of nephrotic syndrome (NS) patients vs normal individuals, with Rarβ reduced and both RARα and RARγ increased. Here, RARA is linked to nephrotic syndrome.