Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
The role of ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 in diabetic nephropathy
Denise Alves Sortica1, Daisy Crispim, Guilherme Pozueco Zaffari
1Endocrinology Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
The increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus has caused a rise in the occurrence of its chronic complications, such as diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Familial aggregation studies have demonstrated that besides the known environmental risk factors, DN has a major genetic component. Therefore, it is necessary to identify genes associated with risk for or protection against DN. Ecto-nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is expressed in several tissues, including the kidneys. Increased levels of ENPP1 expression inhibit tyrosine-kinase activity of the insulin receptor in several cell types, leading to insulin resistance. K121Q polymorphism of the ENPP1 gene seems to be associated with insulin resistance and DN development. The elucidation of genetic factors and their associations will provide better understanding of the pathogenesis of DN and, may consequently, lead to a more effective approach to prevention and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetic Nephropathy
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic Retinopathy
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology