Fig. 8: Graphical abstract summarizing the research findings.
From: Proenkephalin-A secreted by renal proximal tubules functions as a brake in kidney regeneration
PTEC-expressed PENK-A levels decreased with the loss of PTs after AKI. This decrease triggered an increase in H2O2 production, resulting in the expansion of RPC aggregation. This process occurred by upregulating tcf21 expression through remodeling of H3K4me3 in the tcf21 promoter. In the later stage of regeneration, as PTECs recovered, elevated penka expression suppressed the production of H2O2, facilitating the termination of kidney regeneration.
