G protein-coupled receptors: potential therapeutic targets for diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Diabetic nephropathy, a lethal microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by progressive albuminuria, excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, thickened glomerular basement membrane, podocyte abnormalities, and podocyte loss. The G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have attracted considerable attention in diabetic nephropathy, but the specific effects have not been elucidated yet. Likewise, abnormal signaling pathways are closely interrelated to the pathologic process of diabetic nephropathy, despite the fact that the mechanisms have not been explored clearly. Therefore, GPCRs and its mediated signaling pathways are essential for priority research, so that preventative strategies and potential targets might be developed for diabetic nephropathy. This article will give us comprehensive overview of predominant GPCR types, roles, and correlative signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy.

• Diabetic nephropathy
• G protein-coupled receptors
• signaling pathways
• therapeutic target

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81102864); and Chinese Traditional Medical Research of Anhui Province (China, No. 2012zy48); and the Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation (China, No. 1508085MH179).

Declaration of interest

The authors declare no competing conflict interests.