The Genetic Risk of Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

In this review, the authors discuss the major approaches being used to identify diabetic nephropathy (DN) susceptibility genes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and highlight the salient findings from studies whereby these approaches have been implemented. The recent advent of next-generation sequencing technology is beginning to impact DN gene mapping strategies. As the field moves forward, family based approaches should greatly facilitate efforts to identify variants in genes that have a major effect on the risk of DN in T2D. To be successful, the ascertainment and comprehensive study of families with multiple affected members is critical.