Integrin β1/Cell Surface GRP78 Complex Regulates TGFβ1 and Its Profibrotic Effects in Response to High Glucose.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. Characterized by overproduction and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, glomerular sclerosis is its earliest manifestation. High glucose (HG) plays a central role by increasing matrix production by glomerular mesangial cells (MC).