Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Models
Preclinical Kidney Disease R&D Solutions
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Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) Models

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Ace Therapeutics delivers a comprehensive suite of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) models and preclinical services designed to accelerate compound profiling and biomarker discovery. Leveraging multiple rodent systems—from chemically induced hyperglycemia to genetically predisposed strains—our platform supports mechanistic studies, efficacy screening and translational biomarker development to inform clinical decisions.

Importance of Preclinical Diabetic Kidney Disease Models

Diabetic kidney disease, a leading cause of chronic kidney failure, involves complex interactions between metabolic dysregulation, glomerular hyperfiltration, and progressive fibrosis. Translational preclinical models must recapitulate these hallmarks to ensure clinically meaningful outcomes. Our platforms address the following research needs:

  • Target validation for glomerular protection and tubulointerstitial repair pathways
  • Biomarker discovery to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response
  • Compound efficacy testing under conditions mimicking diabetic comorbidities

Integrated Preclinical Services for DKD Research

Our DKD platform combines disease modeling with advanced analytical workflows to deliver actionable insights:

Mechanistic and Efficacy Studies

  • Glomerular health evaluation: Podocyte density quantification, slit diaphragm protein analysis
  • Tubulointerstitial injury profiling: α-SMA+ myofibroblast activation, macrophage polarization assays
  • Metabolic parameter tracking: Continuous glucose monitoring, lipid panel analysis

Advanced Biomarker Development

  • Urinary biomarkers: NGAL, KIM-1, cystatin C, and exosome-derived miRNA profiling
  • Serum biomarkers: sTNFR1, FGF23, and adiponectin quantification

Complementary Technologies

  • Non-invasive imaging: Ultrasound for renal blood flow, MRI for fibrosis mapping
  • Digital pathology: AI-driven glomerular segmentation and fibrosis quantification

Core Diabetic Kidney Disease Models

We offer a suite of established models tailored to study distinct phases of DKD, from early hyperfiltration to late-stage fibrosis. Each model undergoes rigorous validation to ensure reproducibility and alignment with human pathophysiology.

Model Name Key Features Primary Applications
Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced fibrosis Progressive albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis Testing antifibrotic agents, metabolic modulators
db/db mice + ReninAAV/UNx acceleration Accelerated renal injury via AAV-mediated renin overexpression + uninephrectomy Evaluating RAS-targeted therapies, podocyte-protective compounds
ZSF1 obese rat metabolic nephropathy Diabetic nephropathy with obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance Assessing metabolic syndrome-linked renal damage, combination therapies
High-fat diet (HFD) + low-dose STZ Type 2 diabetes phenotype with advanced glomerular lesions Screening agents targeting oxidative stress or lipid metabolism

Model Validation and Quality Assurance

All models are validated through histopathological, functional, and molecular endpoints:

  • Functional assessments: Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), transdermal GFR monitoring, glycemic profiling
  • Histopathology: PAS staining for mesangial expansion, Masson's trichrome for fibrosis, electron microscopy for podocyte integrity
  • Molecular profiling: qPCR/Western blot for TGF-β, collagen IV, and inflammatory markers (e.g., MCP-1, TNF-α)

Applications in Drug Development

Our DKD models support diverse preclinical objectives:

  • Lead optimization: Dose-response studies for renoprotective agents
  • MOA elucidation: Pathway analysis (e.g., mTOR, Nrf2/ARE, SGLT2 inhibition)
  • Combination therapy testing: Pairing metabolic regulators with antifibrotics
  • Biomarker correlation studies: Linking preclinical endpoints to clinical trial design

Advantages of Ace Therapeutics' DKD Platform

  • Customizable protocols: Adjustable diabetes induction timelines, comorbidity integration (e.g., hypertension, obesity)
  • Multidisciplinary expertise: Cross-functional teams spanning nephrology, diabetes, and fibrosis biology
  • Transparent reporting: Raw data access with expert interpretation for informed decision-making

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CKD Model

What distinguishes Ace Therapeutics' DKD models from standard approaches?

Our models emphasize clinically relevant progression, such as transitioning from hyperfiltration to fibrosis. For example, the STZ-accelerated model includes longitudinal monitoring of both metabolic and renal parameters.

Can you integrate secondary comorbidities like hypertension?

Yes. The ZSF1 rat model inherently develops hypertension, while other models can be adapted with angiotensin II infusion or salt-sensitive diets.

What endpoints are measured in efficacy studies?

Standard endpoints include UACR, histopathology scoring, and molecular pathway activation. Custom endpoints (e.g., single-nucleus RNA sequencing) are available upon request.

How do you validate model reproducibility?

All models undergo multi-cohort validation with internal controls. Consistency checks include baseline metabolic parameters and injury marker concordance.

Do you offer pharmacokinetic (PK) or safety assessments?

Yes. We provide integrated PK/PD studies with renal tissue distribution analysis and off-target effect screening.

HOW WE WORK

Make Order

Make Order

Experimental Scheme

Experimental Scheme

Implementation

Implementation

Conclusion

Conclusion