miRNA‐216a and miRNA‐217 activate Akt (a hypertrophy‐related kinase) by targeting PTEN in the STZ and db/db diabetic mouse model of DKD and MCs treated with TGF‐β1.71 In diabetic mice, miRNA‐21 also targets PTEN and activates Akt to contribute to renal hypertrophy.96, 97 PI3K is the upstream activator of Akt. This evidence concerns the gene AKT1 and diabetic kidney disease.