Supported Research

General Audience Summary

90% of glucose filtered by the kidney is reabsorbed in renal proximal tubules (RPTs) by a protein called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). Since SGLT2 expression is upregulated and SGLT2-mediated glucose reabsorption is increased in the diabetic kidney, selective inhibition of SGLT2 expression and activity is a therapeutic target of the treatment of diabetes. The mechanism(s) of upregulation of renal SGLT2 gene expression in diabetes is, however, not fully understood. In this proposal, Dr. John Chan is examined a protein, called nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) how this protein is involved to upregulate the expression of renal SGLT2 in excerbating kidney damage in diabetes. Dr. Chan's studies will identify whether NRF2 could be a therapeutic target in preventing nephropathy progression in diabetes.