title: 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.
authors.affiliation: a Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui Province , People's Republic of China.|b Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui Province , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hai-Hua
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.affiliation: b Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui Province , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wei-Jian
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Ni
authors.affiliation: b Affiliated Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui Province , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Li-Qin
authors.initials: LQ
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.affiliation: a Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University , Hefei, Anhui Province , People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wei
keywords: Diabetic nephropathy; G protein-coupled receptors; signaling pathways; therapeutic target