PRKAA2 codes for the alpha2 isoform of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) subunit and knockdown of AMPKα2 has been shown to enhance the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, secretion of inflammatory factors, and concomitant fibrosis in proximal tubule cells in a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, through up-regulation of beta-catenin and Smad3 [34]. Here, SMAD3 is linked to Ureteral obstruction.