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Updated: Sep 5, 2025
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Prediction of cellular targets in diabetic kidney diseases with single-cell transcriptomic analysis of db/db mouse
Chenhua Wu1,2, Yingjun Tao2, Nan Li1,3
1Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
Abstract:
Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of impaired kidney function, albuminuria, and renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation), thus placing a large burden on health-care systems. This urgent event requires us to reveal the molecular mechanism of this disease to develop more efficacious treatment. Herein, we reported single-cell RNA sequencing analyses in kidneys of db/db mouse, an animal model for type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. We first analyzed the hub genes expressed differentially in the single cell resolution transcriptome map of the kidneys. Then we figured out the communication among the renal and immune cells in the kidneys. Data from this report may provide novel information for better understanding the cell-specific targets involved in the aetiologia of type 2 diabetic kidney disease and for cell communication and signaling between renal cells and immune cells of this complex disease.
Insights
Diabetic kidney disease research reveals key molecular mechanisms using single-cell RNA sequencing in db/db mice. This study identifies crucial genes and cell communications for developing targeted treatments for type 2 diabetic kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Genomics
- Immunology
Background:
- Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a primary cause of kidney failure and a significant healthcare burden.
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of DKD is critical for developing effective treatments.
- Current knowledge of cell-specific molecular mechanisms in DKD remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease using single-cell RNA sequencing.
- To identify key genes and cellular communication pathways involved in DKD pathogenesis.
- To provide a cell-specific understanding of renal and immune cell interactions in DKD.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed on kidneys from db/db mice, a model for type 2 diabetes and DKD.
- Differential gene expression analysis was conducted to identify hub genes at single-cell resolution.
- Cell-cell communication networks were analyzed to understand interactions between renal and immune cells.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive single-cell transcriptome map of the kidney in db/db mice was generated.
- Key differentially expressed hub genes critical to DKD were identified.
- Specific communication pathways between renal and immune cells in the diabetic kidney were elucidated.
Conclusions:
- This study provides novel insights into the cell-specific molecular targets in type 2 diabetic kidney disease.
- Understanding cell communication between renal and immune cells is crucial for DKD pathogenesis.
- The findings offer a foundation for developing targeted therapies for diabetic kidney disease.
