TGFB1 and lupus nephritis: 59 Although this research field in human tissue is limited, a recent study from our research group demonstrated that TGF-β1/pSmad3/Smad7 was upregulated in human GN, including AAV and lupus nephritis.51 TGF-β1 was correlated with glomerulosclerosis and interestingly indicated as independent risk factor for progression to chronic kidney disease.