Kidney fibrosis progressively induces kidney function loss, leading to kidney failure. Myofibroblast transition from fibroblast is significantly involved in the development of kidney fibrosis. Previous studies revealed that sonic hedgehog (Shh), the upstream ligand of Smoothened (Smo) receptor signaling, contributes to kidney fibrosis. However, the role of Smo in fibroblast activation remains unclear.
Kidney fibrosis progressively induces kidney function loss, leading to kidney failure. Myofibroblast transition from fibroblast is significantly involved in the development of kidney fibrosis. Previous studies revealed that sonic hedgehog (Shh), the upstream ligand of Smoothened (Smo) receptor signaling, contributes to kidney fibrosis. However, the role of Smo in fibroblast activation remains unclear.