Purpose of review: The kidney is a highly complex organ and renal function depends on many factors, both extrinsic to the kidney and intrinsic. The kidney responds both to systemic hormonal and neuronal signals and to autocrine and paracrine factors produced within the renal tissue. Recently, there has been an increased emphasis on crosstalk in and between different compartments in the kidney.
Recent findings: Crosstalk in the kidney between different cellular compartments has added new and important understanding of renal function and the development of kidney disease.
Summary: Most of the literature cited concern glomerular crosstalk but also tubular and interstitial crosstalk are being reviewed. Mechanistic insight into the communication between the cells may help us find new targets for treating kidney disease.