As a central homeostatic organ, the kidneys perform diverse physiologic functions beyond glomerular filtration, including synthesis of vital hormones, secretion of protein-bound organic solutes, and maintenance of salt and water balance. The “intact nephron hypothesis” postulates a progressive and proportionate decline in kidney functions across the spectrum of chronic kidney disease (CKD).1 However, several lines of evidence suggest contrasts between tubular and glomerular functions in the diseased state.