Epigenetic changes may occur via modifications on the histone proteins, around which the DNA strand winds and packs into chromosome structure. Based on our previous research, we suggest that glucose may modify histones on various locations, leading to changes in DNA packaging structure, and consequently affects gene activity that contributes to diabetic kidney disease development. Here we will make detailed analysis on histone modifications in blood from diabetic patients with Diabetic kidney disease, and associate these changes to diabetic kidney disease risk.

This study will hopefully contribute to better understanding of diabetic kidney disease pathogenesis. The epigenetic markers in blood identified in this project may be used as predictive biomarkers for diabetic kidney disease. Once validated, patients can be screened by simple blood tests for presence of these markers without invasive biopsy procedures. Patients at high diabetic kidney disease risk can be thereby identified to allow intensified therapy to prevent diabetic kidney disease.