GSK3: A ray of hope for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major microvascular complication of diabetes, is characterized by its complex pathogenesis, high risk of chronic renal failure, and lack of effective diagnosis and treatment methods. GSK3 beta (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta), a highly conserved threonine/serine kinase, was found to activate glycogen synthase. As a key molecule of the glucose metabolism pathway, GSK3 beta participates in a variety of cellular activities and plays a pivotal role in multiple diseases. However, these effects are not only mediated by affecting glucose metabolism. This review elaborates on the role of GSK3 beta in DKD and its damage mechanism in different intrinsic renal cells. GSK3 beta is also a biomarker indicating the progression of DKD. Finally, the protective effects of GSK3 beta inhibitors on DKD are also discussed.