image: Network map of 29 authors with frequency greater than five. Nodes represent authors, and the larger the node, the higher the number of papers. The lines represent collaborations with other authors, and the thicker the line, the higher the cooperation frequency. Color represents clustering, and nodes with the same color belong to the same cluster. Image link: https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S2352304224000576-gr2_lrg.jpg
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A newly published study in Genes & Diseases highlights the crucial role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and explores its potential as a therapeutic target. This study provides significant insights into the mechanisms underlying DN and offers potential directions for more effective treatment strategies.
Diabetic nephropathy remains a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Despite advances in diabetes management, no current treatments effectively halt or reverse kidney damage associated with DN. This research focuses on how the mTOR pathway influences key renal cells in DN progression, providing a comprehensive understanding of its role in kidney damage.
The study reveals that excessive activation of mTOR contributes to kidney injury by inhibiting autophagy, increasing oxidative stress, and promoting inflammation. It examines the impact of mTOR on podocytes, glomerular mesangial cells, renal tubular epithelial cells, and glomerular endothelial cells—each playing a crucial role in kidney function. Additionally, the involvement of macrophages and T lymphocytes is explored, shedding light on the immune system’s role in DN progression.
Further, the study reviews recent advancements in DN treatment strategies targeting mTOR. Drugs such as rapamycin have demonstrated potential in preclinical models, offering promising avenues for future therapies. However, challenges remain, including the need to balance mTOR inhibition with immune system function and metabolic health.
As diabetic nephropathy cases continue to rise, this research underscores the urgency of developing targeted treatments. The findings support further clinical investigations into mTOR-targeting drugs to assess their potential benefits in DN management.
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Genes & Diseases publishes rigorously peer-reviewed and high quality original articles and authoritative reviews that focus on the molecular bases of human diseases. Emphasis is placed on hypothesis-driven, mechanistic studies relevant to pathogenesis and/or experimental therapeutics of human diseases. The journal has worldwide authorship, and a broad scope in basic and translational biomedical research of molecular biology, molecular genetics, and cell biology, including but not limited to cell proliferation and apoptosis, signal transduction, stem cell biology, developmental biology, gene regulation and epigenetics, cancer biology, immunity and infection, neuroscience, disease-specific animal models, gene and cell-based therapies, and regenerative medicine.
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Reference
Jingxuan Shi, Xinze Liu, Yuanyuan Jiao, Jingwei Tian, Jiaqi An, Guming Zou, Li Zhuo, mTOR pathway: A key player in diabetic nephropathy progression and therapeutic targets, Genes & Diseases, Volume 12, Issue 2, 2025, 101260, ISSN 2352-3042, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gendis.2024.101260
Journal
Genes & Diseases