Mutations in (aarF domain containing kinase 4) generally manifest as steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and induce coenzyme Q (CoQ ) deficiency. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome resulting from mutations are not well understood, largely because the function of ADCK4 remains unknown. To elucidate the ADCK4's function in podocytes, we generated a podocyte-specific, -knockout mouse model and a human podocyte cell line featuring knockout of . These knockout mice and podocytes were then treated with 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4-diHB), a CoQ precursor analogue, or with a vehicle only. We also performed proteomic mass spectrometry analysis to further elucidate ADCK4's function. Absence of in mouse podocytes caused FSGS and albuminuria, recapitulating features of nephrotic syndrome caused by mutations. studies revealed that ADCK4-knockout podocytes had significantly reduced CoQ concentration, respiratory chain activity, and mitochondrial potential, and subsequently displayed an increase in the number of dysmorphic mitochondria. However, treatment of 3-month-old knockout mice or ADCK4-knockout cells with 2,4-diHB prevented the development of renal dysfunction and reversed mitochondrial dysfunction in podocytes. Moreover, ADCK4 interacted with mitochondrial proteins such as COQ5, as well as cytoplasmic proteins such as myosin and heat shock proteins. Thus, ADCK4 knockout decreased the COQ complex level, but overexpression of ADCK4 in ADCK4-knockout podocytes transfected with wild-type ADCK4 rescued the COQ5 level. Our study shows that ADCK4 is required for CoQ biosynthesis and mitochondrial function in podocytes, and suggests that ADCK4 in podocytes stabilizes proteins in complex Q in podocytes. Our study also suggests a potential treatment strategy for nephrotic syndrome resulting from mutations.