The APl transcription factor complex binds to the promoter and participates in the phenotypic changes of EMT by activating the smad3 signalling pathway, which affects the permeability of the filtration membrane and exacerbates the DKD process.44 TECs also secrete EVs that target NF‐κB, which activates the inflammatory response and induces GEC dysfunction. Here, NFKB1 is linked to diabetic kidney disease.