Hu et al. reported that the expression of SIK1 was downregulated in the kidneys from mice with AKI-CKD transition induced by aristolochic acid (AA) and in AA-treated TECs, whereas upregulation of SIK1 alleviated EMT, inflammation and fibrogenesis, and impeded AKI-CKD transition. This evidence concerns the gene SIK1 and acute kidney injury.