We observed that the ROS/Akt-dependent downregulation of Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor-2 (Smurf2) and the subsequent increase in the expression of ChREBP via the inhibition of ubiquitination could be one of the mechanisms underlying the LPA-induced fibrosis of renal mesangial cells in DN. The gene discussed is AKT1; the disease is liver dysplastic nodule.