Abstract: Podocytes are derived from nephron progenitor cells， and form the outer layer of glomerular filtration barrier by forming foot processes and slit diaphragm. Podocytopathies are caused by injury or dysfunction of podocytes. Explicating the regulation mechanism of podocyte genesis is helpful to understand the pathogenesis of podocytopathies， as well as to develop targeted clinical pathways. One of the frontiers in the field of podocytopathy research is to construct the disease model using organoids or induced differentiation techniques. This review focuses on the progress in podocyte genesis studies and the regenerative medicine researches about podocytopathy.

Key words: podocyte, podocytopathy, nephropathy, regenerative medicine, organoid, induced differentiation