VCL and diabetic kidney disease: In detail, VHLΔPT and STZ-induced diabetes demonstrated (i) higher Tjp1 (ZO-1) levels, which is consistent with results obtained from human renal biopsies from patients with early DKD [13]; (ii) higher Nid2, Lamc1, Col4a3, Col4a5, which is consistent with thickening of the GBM; (iii) higher Itgb8 and Vcl, which is consistent with mesangial proliferation; (iv) higher Ptprb and Ogt, which is consistent with increased angiogenesis and; (v) lower Ctss levels, as observed in renal biopsies from patients with diabetes [14].