O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification: Emerging pathogenesis and a therapeutic target of diabetic nephropathy.

Increased protein O-GlcNAcylation mediates renal cell damage and promotes renal interstitial fibrosis, leading to diabetic nephropathy. Although the full significance of inhibition of O-GlcNAcylation is not yet understood, it may represent a novel target for treating diabetic nephropathy.