In the present study, we found that YME1L expression was downregulated in the renal tubules in DKD patients and high-fat diet (HFD)/Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DKD mice, restoration of YME1L expression in RTECs significantly alleviates RTEC senescence and improves renal function. The gene discussed is YME1L1; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.