Fig. 7: Schematic representation of the novel CTR1-Cu-LOX axis mechanism underlying renal fibrosis. | Cell Death & Disease

Fig. 7: Schematic representation of the novel CTR1-Cu-LOX axis mechanism underlying renal fibrosis.

From: Elevated intracellular copper contributes a unique role to kidney fibrosis by lysyl oxidase mediated matrix crosslinking

Fig. 7: Schematic representation of the novel CTR1-Cu-LOX axis mechanism underlying renal fibrosis.

In pathologic conditions, upon TGF-β1 signaling activation, activated pSmad3 translocates to the nucleus, where it binds to the CTR1 promoter to initiate its expression. CTR1 expression induces the influx of copper, which binds, stabilizes and activates LOX. Activated LOX crosslinks ECM, resulting in the acceleration of renal fibrosis.

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