Aim: This article focuses on the genetic mechanisms, with an aim to provide certain theoretical and experimental foundation for the future diagnosis and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Five common genes were selected in this article including ACE, Klotho, MicroRNA, CERS and VDR. Methods:To learn about the newest study trends on this topic through searching numerous international and domestic databases (such as CNKI, CBMdisc, PUBMED, EBMase) aiming to obtain meaningful conclusions in order to write a valuable summarization.Results: These five genes both play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy: ① The I allele of ACE gene is the protective gene that prevents type 2 diabetes mellitus patients from developing diabetic Nephropathy; ② In diabetic nephropathy, the level of Klotho mRNA and Klotho protein is decreased by the RAAS, TGFβ, PPAγ, and Wnt signaling pathways; ③ miR-29c, which is involved in the regulation of the Spry1/Rho signaling pathway, can be used as a new target for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy; The SNP (rs267734) in the CERS2 gene is associated with an increase in albuminuria among patients with diabetes; The occurrence of diabetic nephropathy is associated with vitamin D receptor gene genetic polymorphisms. Conclusion:With an ever-increasing access to this subject, we can further our understanding of the pathogenesis of DN and broaden the research field until accomplishing the target of prevention of DN through the creation of new target drug and accurate prediction of disease. Further study about the genetic mechanism of DN especially T1DN remains a vital task.