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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Human genetics of diabetic nephropathy
Zi-Hui Tang1, Fengfang Zeng, Xiu-Zhen Zhang
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine , Shanghai , China.
Genetic and epigenetic factors, including mitochondrial DNA, significantly influence diabetic nephropathy risk. Understanding these elements is key for personalized diabetes mellitus treatments and managing its vascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Diabetology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diabetic vascular complications (DVCs), particularly diabetic nephropathy (DN), pose a significant public health challenge.
- Genetic factors, including nuclear and mitochondrial DNA variations, are implicated in DN development.
- Epigenetic modifications also play a crucial role in regulating gene expression related to diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of diabetic nephropathy.
- To highlight the roles of genetic variants, structural variations, and epigenetic changes in DN pathogenesis.
- To emphasize the importance of mitochondrial DNA in DN development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic and epigenetic studies related to diabetic nephropathy.
- Analysis of research on nuclear genome, mitochondrial DNA, and epigenetic modifications.
- Synthesis of evidence linking genetic and epigenetic factors to DN risk and protection.
Main Results:
- Genetic variants, copy number variations, and epigenetic alterations are key contributors to DN.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a critical role in the regulation of DN.
- Epigenetic changes in chromatin affect gene transcription, influencing diabetes mellitus development.
Conclusions:
- Identification of specific genes, genetic loci, structural variants, and epigenetic changes is crucial for understanding DN.
- Unraveling these factors will advance the understanding of complex mechanisms underlying DN.
- This knowledge has significant implications for developing personalized medicine approaches for diabetes mellitus and its complications.
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