The upregulated TGF-β2 in endothelial cells further activates its corresponding receptors, namely TGFBR2, TGFBR3 and ENG, on B lymphocytes, podocytes, glomerular endothelial cells, and mesangial cells, respectively, leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis in the development of diabetic nephropathy. The gene discussed is ENG; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.