Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays an important role in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as being a key mediator of diabetic nephropathy that is associated with increased levels of ECM proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen, in renal glomeruli [7]. The gene discussed is ACTA1; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.