Objective：To investigate the expression of Heat shock protein 47 and examine the possible role of HSP47 in the kidneys obtained from Type 2 diabetic nephropathy(DN). Methods: 25 cases of renal biopsy sections which have been diagnosed as DN were selected. Meanwhile, 20 cases of renal biopsy specimens diagnosed as minor glomerular abnormalities were simultaneously studied as controls.Features of renal histology were identified by light microscopy. Using immunohistochemistry and double immunostaining, we investigated the expression of HSP47,α-SMA,vimentin and collagen type IV (Col IV) in type 2 DN. Results: By immunohistochemistry, the expression of HSP47,α-SMA,Vimentin and Col IV in glomeruli was significantly increased in the kidneys obtained from DN group compared with MCD group (P <0.05). Compared to MCD patients, increased expression of HSP47,α-SMA and Col IV in tubulointerstitium was observed in DN patients (P <0.05). Meanwhile,the expression of vimentin in tubulointerstitium was significantly incresed (P <0.01). By double immunostaining, α-SMA positive cells were frequently found to co-express HSP47 in glomeruli and tubulointersitium of Type 2 DN patients. Increased expresson of vimentin conincided with increased expression of HSP47 in the kidneys obtained from Type 2 DN patients. Conclusion: Baed on the collagen synthesis ability of HSP47, we speculate that overexpression of HSP47 may contribute to the excessive synthesis/assembly of collagens in human diabetic glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.