Fig. 7: Proposed model of LTBP4-mediated mechanisms in tubular interstitial fibrosis.
From: LTBP4 affects renal fibrosis by influencing angiogenesis and altering mitochondrial structure
In unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced tubular damage, A LTPB4 provokes angiogenesis for tissue repair via VEGF and CD31 elevation and in addition to limiting mitochondrial shortness. B LTBP4 deficiency in proximal tubules causes a reduction in VEGF and CD31 expression, along with subsequent aberrant angiogenesis and severe mitochondrial shortness, which eventually accelerates tubular interstitial fibrosis.
