The role of tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy is relatively unknown, despite that
apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells is commonly observed in human renal biopsies. The
GTPase Ras-proximate-1 (Rap1b) is upregulated in the hyperglycemic state and is known to
increase B-Raf, an antiapoptotic effector protein. In this study, the effects of high glucose on
renal tubular apoptosis and the potential ability for Rap1b to ameliorate these effects were
investigated. In the kidneys of diabetic mice, apoptotic tubular cells and dysmorphic …