The induction of RIPK3, MLKL and CIAP1/2 in murine models of renal IRI, acute oxalate nephropathy and cisplatin nephropathy suggest the involvement of necroptosis as the main mechanism of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) despite different triggers of injury–for example, hypoxia, calcium oxalate crystals and a toxic chemical respectively. Here, RIPK3 is linked to acute kidney tubular necrosis.