Interventions against nutrient-sensing pathways represent an emerging new therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy.

Koya, Daisuke; Kitada, Munehiro; Kume, Shinji; Kanasaki, Keizo

Autophagy has evolved as a stress response that allows unicellular eukaryotic organisms to survive in starved conditions by regulating energy homeostasis and/or by protein and organelle quality control. The diabetes-induced accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles results in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. In contrast, autophagy machinery is activated by calorie restriction and environmental stress in proximal tubular cells, and is maintained at a high level in podocytes, suggesting its crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, its role in diabetic nephropathy has not been fully known. Here, we will discuss the role of autophagy and its involvement in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

DIABETIC nephropathies; AUTOPHAGY; LOW-calorie diet; HOMEOSTASIS; PHYSIOLOGICAL stress; UNICELLULAR organisms; EUKARYOTIC cells

Clinical & Experimental Nephrology, 2014, Vol 18, Issue 2, p210

1342-1751

Academic Journal

10.1007/s10157-013-0908-3