TGF-β1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and diabetic nephropathy

Renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the original steps of renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is the leading inducer of EMT. Understanding the developing process of EMT in the renal tubular epithelium of DN and investigating the therapeutic usages of Smad7, C-peptide, TGF-β1 antibodies, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor antagonists in DN will provide new strategies for the treatment of DN. Key words: Diabetic nephropathy;  EMT;  Interstitial fibrosis;  TGF-β1