Figure 4.

Smad3-dependent miRNAs and lncRNAs related to renal fibrosis and inflammation and Smad3 targeting therapy for renal fibrosis and inflammation. Smad3 positively regulate pro-fibrogenic or pro-inflammatory miRNAs and lncRNAs, but negatively regulate those to mediate renal fibrosis and inflammation. Specifically targeting Smad3 directly with inhibitors or Smad7 agonists or indirectly to its downstream non-coding RNAs may be the potential therapeutic strategies for renal fibrosis and inflammation. Red arrows/symbols represent pathogenic or positive regulation pathway, while blue lines/symbols indicate protective or negative regulation pathways.