Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) is an enzyme which is evolutionally conserved across all eukaryotic species. In mammals, GSK3 exists in two isoforms, GSKα and GSKβ, encoded by different genes on different chromosomes. It has recently been shown that inhibiting GSK3 in kidney cells, called podocytes, may produce therapeutic effects in many experimental kidney diseases. Kidney disease can lead to end-stage renal failure, cardiac events and death. The most common GSK3 inhibitor used in clinical practice is lithium carbonate, used to treat manic depression. Lithium can cause diabetes insipidus and end-stage renal failure with long term use. GSK3 inhibition has also been targeted in the past for the treatment of diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. This latest research shows that too much inhibition of this enzyme is harmful. The results of this study were published in the journal Nature Communications.