While this specific mouse model of lupus is not characterized by nephrotic-range proteinuria or end-stage renal disease (27), IMQ-treated Acod1−/− mice had increased albumin:creatinine ratios in urine compared to IMQ-treated WT mice (Fig. 4d), indicating that renal function was more impaired in Acod1−/−mice exposed to IMQ. This evidence concerns the gene ALB and stage 5 chronic kidney disease.