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Comment
. 2016 Jan;22(1):4-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.11.009. Epub 2015 Dec 11.

Epithelial Plasticity versus EMT in Kidney Fibrosis

Shizheng Huang  1 , Katalin Susztak  2
Affiliations
Comment

Epithelial Plasticity versus EMT in Kidney Fibrosis

Shizheng Huang et al. Trends Mol Med. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Ten percent of the population worldwide suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by fibrotic changes in the kidney. Fibrosis is associated with loss of epithelial parenchyma, and accumulation of myofibroblasts, fibrillary collagen, and inflammatory cells. Two recent papers highlight the critical role of Twist and Snai1 transcription factors in kidney fibrosis.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Twist and Snai1 expression contributes to the development of kidney fibrosis
Chronic kidney disease is characterized by increased TEC death. Cell death triggers a regenerative process, including epithelial cell proliferation. Expression of Snai1 and Twist prohibits TEC differentiation and results in myofibroblast and inflammatory cell accumulation and fibrosis development. Blocking Snai1 and Twist expression allows the differentiation of epithelial cells and ameliorates fibrosis.
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References

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