Role changes of β-catenin in kidney injury and repair.

Using conditional knockout models, Zhou et al. firmly establish a renoprotective role of β-catenin in acute kidney injury. Although β-catenin is protective at the injury phase, whether it helps kidney repair remains in question. In a renal cell scratch model, β-catenin suppresses wound healing. Moreover, continuous activation of β-catenin may lead to renal fibrosis. Further investigation should elucidate the distinct roles played by β-catenin and related signaling in kidney injury, repair, and fibrosis.