Mechanism of kidney disease development and CKD associated morbidities

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) represents a major and growing socioeconomic burden especially in western countries. Within pediatrics CKD is found both as an isolated clinical feature e.g. within the frame of congenital anomalies of the kidney and the urinary tract or as part of syndromic disorders. Over the past years there has been a tremendous development in our understanding of both genetic and non-genetic causes of CKD and progression factors. First targeted therapeutic options are emerging. The thematic series on „Mechanisms of kidney disease development and CKD associated morbidities“ within Molecular and Cellular Pediatrics aims to give the reader first insights into some important and dynamic fields of research in pediatric nephrology covering a range from direct mechanisms of disease development to mechanisms and therapeutic aspects of CKD. We thank the internationally renowned authors from the field of pediatric nephrology contributing to this series.