Figure 9

Schematic drawing depicting the conceivable events following TGF-β1 treatment and activation of Akt. This leads to initiation of transcription of Smuf2 and degradation of Smad7 and phosphorylation of USP4 while maintaining the TβRI stability. Finally, this results in the induction of MMT of mesothelial cells and fibrosis during peritoneal dialysis.