NTN4 and diabetic kidney disease: Figures 1C, D present the distinctive features of cell marker genes using violin charts and heat maps. Figure 1E displays a volcano plot, which highlights the dynamics of gene expression profiles across various cell types. An upsurge is observed in the expression of IL7R, ITGAL, and IKZF3, simultaneously with a pronounced decrease in the expression of NTN4, SULT1C2, and LINC00472 within leukocytes. Moreover, we noted a reduction in the quantity of certain renal tubular cells and a contrasting rise in the infiltration of leukocytes as DKD progresses (Figure 1F).