Tubule epithelial cells and fibroblasts communication: Vicious cycle of renal fibrosis.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a leading public health burden worldwide driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and aging, but effective treatment options are limited.1 Renal fibrosis is the pathological feature of CKD regardless of underlying causes. Therefore, a clearer understanding of the mechanism is essential for defining potential therapeutic target for CKD.