Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. The main etiology is related to podocyte or visceral epithelial cell that may result in decreased podocyte number. Early studies suggested parietal epithelial cell (PEC) may function as podocyte progenitor, replacing dying podocytes. However, more recent studies indicated that this may not be the case. It seems that some podocytes are at the Bowman capsule close to vascular pole in children. When the person turns to adult with larger glomeruli, these podocytes move to their usual position. Source: Berger K. and Moeller MJ
