Exosomes in Diabetic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus and a common cause of end-stage kidney disease. The incidence of DKD is rising worldwide and associated with increased morbidity and premature mortality, indicating an urgent need to further explore the underlying pathogenesis and potential biomarkers. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by all cell types that play an essential role in cellular homeostasis and intercellular communications by transferring molecular cargoes between different cells. SUMMARY: Emerging evidence indicates that exosomes are both a crucial signaling mediator and a potential biomarker of DKD. On the one hand, exosomes released by various kidney resident cells facilitate the cell-cell crosstalk as a contributing factor in DKD; on the other hand, exosomes can be detected from urine and blood and have emerged as promising noninvasive biomarkers for DKD. KEY MESSAGES: Herein, we highlight the recent advances in research on the role of exosomes from different kidney resident cells in DKD. We further discuss the potential use of urine exosomes as biomarkers and therapeutic agents.