Analyzing kidney biopsies from diabetic patients

Molecular Analysis of Diabetic Kidney Disease Biopsies

Observational Unity Health Toronto · NCT04029402

This study is trying to understand the changes in kidney tissue from people with diabetes to find new ways to treat kidney disease.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUnity Health Toronto Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04029402 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the molecular underpinnings of diabetic kidney disease by analyzing archived kidney biopsy tissues from patients with varying degrees of disease progression. Researchers will utilize RNA sequencing to identify transcriptional differences between patients with rapid and slow declines in kidney function, as well as between different histopathological types of kidney damage. The goal is to uncover new molecular pathways that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for diabetic nephropathy. The study will involve collaboration among multiple institutions to gather a substantial number of biopsy samples for analysis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have undergone a kidney biopsy showing diabetic kidney disease.

Not a fit: Patients with less than three eGFR values post-biopsy or with very low eGFR values may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully utilized RNA sequencing to explore kidney diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (diabetic kidney disease cases):

* history of type 1 or type 2 diabetes
* at least 1 archived native kidney biopsy that demonstrates either pure diabetic kidney disease or features of non-specific vascular disease, including glomerulosclerosis, non-inflammatory vascular disease,
* sufficient remaining archived kidney biopsy tissue for RNA sequencing (100 um thick tissue section) and histologic analysis (PAS and Masson Trichrome staining)

Exclusion Criteria (diabetic kidney disease cases):

* less than 3 eGFR values post-biopsy
* latest recorded eGFR values less than 6 months post-biopsy

Inclusion Criteria (healthy controls):

- at least 1 native kidney disease biopsy with no diagnostic abnormality

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Diabetic NephropathiesKidney Disease, Chronic
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.