Second, previous studies reported that epithelial-specific Lkb1 deletion exhibited progressive kidney disease characterized by flattened dedifferentiated tubule epithelial cells, interstitial matrix accumulation, and dilated cystic-appearing tubules (Han et al., 2016) and indicated that Lkb1 is essential for maintaining the normal physiological function of the kidney. This evidence concerns the gene STK11 and kidney disorder.