Advanced glycosylation end products (AGE), renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-1) expression, activation of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are all considered to be significant pathways in the initial stages and progression of diabetic nephropathy. The gene discussed is WNK2; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.