Sizhao Lu

KLF4 in smooth muscle cell-derived progenitor cells is essential for angiotensin II-induced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis

This study shows that KLF4 in smooth muscle cell-derived progenitor cells drives AngII-induced cardiac inflammation and fibrosis by promoting a profibrotic phenotype.

A cross model spatial and single-cell atlas reveals the conserved involvement of osteopontin in polycystic kidney disease

This study constructs a cross-model spatial and single-cell atlas of PKD, identifying Spp1 (osteopontin) as a conserved driver of disease progression through its signaling to Ly6clo monocytes.

Anti-Polyamine Therapy Restrains Kidney Cyst Growth in an Orthologous Mouse Model of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

This study tests DFMO, an FDA-approved drug, in a mouse model of ADPKD and finds it reduces kidney cyst growth and improves kidney health.

Klf4-dependent pivotal role of smooth muscle-derived Gli1+ lineage progenitor cells in lung cancer progression

This study identifies AdvSca1-SM cells as a key component of lung tumors and shows that Klf4-dependent regulation of these cells affects cancer progression and immunotherapy response.