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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Mouse models of diabetic nephropathy
Frank C Brosius1, Charles E Alpers, Erwin P Bottinger
1University of Michigan,1150 W. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0680, USA. fbrosius@umich.edu
Abstract:
Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of ESRD worldwide. Despite its prevalence, a lack of reliable animal models that mimic human disease has delayed the identification of specific factors that cause or predict diabetic nephropathy. The Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium (AMDCC) was created in 2001 by the National Institutes of Health to develop and characterize models of diabetic nephropathy and other complications. This interim report and our online supplement detail the progress made toward that goal, specifically in the development and testing of murine models. Updates are provided on validation criteria for early and advanced diabetic nephropathy, phenotyping methods, the effect of background strain on nephropathy, current best models of diabetic nephropathy, negative models, and views of future directions. AMDCC investigators and other investigators in the field have yet to validate a complete murine model of human diabetic kidney disease. Nonetheless, the critical analysis of existing murine models substantially enhances our understanding of this disease process.
Insights
Developing reliable animal models for diabetic nephropathy is crucial for understanding kidney disease. Current murine models show promise but a complete human disease model is still needed.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Diabetology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally.
- A significant barrier to research is the absence of accurate animal models for diabetic kidney disease.
- The Animal Models of Diabetic Complications Consortium (AMDCC) was established to address this gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the progress of developing and validating murine models for diabetic nephropathy.
- To assess current models and identify future research directions for diabetic kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Development and characterization of murine models for diabetic nephropathy.
- Establishment of validation criteria for early and advanced disease stages.
- Phenotyping methods and assessment of genetic background effects on nephropathy.
Main Results:
- No single murine model fully replicates human diabetic kidney disease to date.
- Critical analysis of existing models has improved understanding of the disease process.
- Progress has been made in defining criteria and methods for model validation.
Conclusions:
- While a complete murine model for human diabetic nephropathy remains elusive, ongoing research significantly advances the field.
- The AMDCC's work is crucial for refining and validating animal models to study diabetic kidney disease.
- Further development is needed to create a comprehensive model for predicting and treating diabetic nephropathy.
