E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases: Promising therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes and a major contributor to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases participate in numerous cellular processes, and emerging evidence has highlighted that alterations in their activity or expression are closely associated with the onset and progression of DKD. Ubiquitination mediated by E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitination mediated by deubiquitinases play critical roles in the pathogenesis of DKD through regulating downstream signaling pathways. This review aimed to summarize the roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases in DKD, outline their underlying molecular mechanisms, and highlight their potential as therapeutic targets. The findings of this review provide new insights into developing strategies for DKD prevention and treatment, and offer new directions for future drug development.