Role of mitochondria in the regulation of kidney function and metabolism in type 2 diabetes

The kidney is the organ that regulates salt and water metabolism and finely tunes levels of electrolytes and minerals in the blood. This role of the kidney has allowed organisms to face many environmental challenges, such as reduced availability of sodium, potassium, and water. In addition to the regulation of inorganic molecules and water balance, the kidney is a major regulator of organic substances. These include organic nutrient sources such as sugars, fats, and proteins and likely many other organic acids that are byproducts of the metabolism of the mammalian host and also the microbiome. With this larger recognition of the role of the kidney, it is not surprising that the kidney is a susceptible target in nutrient stress conditions, with the prime example being type 2 diabetes.