In summary, the study by Li et al19 in the current issue of The American Journal of Pathology provides a compelling validation and extension of recent findings: IL-11 is a renal disease factor that has major adverse effects on RTECs by causing them to enter a nonproliferative, dedifferentiated, SNAI1-expressing pEMT state that leads to renal fibrosis and failure.13 The gene discussed is IL11; the disease is renal fibrosis.