In diabetic nephropathy, IL-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), a critical downstream effector of IL-1/IL-1R signaling, is upregulated in glomeruli and podocytes and the knockdown of IRAK1 ameliorates renal injury and dysfunction, reduces podocyte apoptosis, increases nephrin expression and preserves podocyte cytoskeletal architecture and glomerular basement membrane integrity [33]. This evidence concerns the gene IL1R1 and diabetic kidney disease.