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. 2020 Feb 14;5:9. doi: 10.1038/s41392-020-0106-1

Fig. 1. Localization of growth factor expression in the kidney.

Fig. 1

In the glomerulus, endothelial cells mainly secrete FGF-2, HGF, and VEGF, mesangial cells secrete HGF, IGF-1, and PDGF-B, and podocytes are the major source of BMP-7. In renal tubules, growth factors are primarily expressed in fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Fibroblasts express and secrete EGF and PDGF-B, and epithelial cells secrete TGF-β, VEGF, PDGF-B, HGF, and FGF-2. Specifically, BMP-7 is only detected in thick ascending limb and collecting duct epithelial cells. EGF is expressed in the proximal tubule, and IGFs are secreted in the collecting duct. Infiltrating inflammatory cells, such as macrophages, are the key source of HGF, TGF-β, and PDGF-B.