BMP6 encodes a secreted ligand of the transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) superfamily of proteins, of which TGF-β1 is one of the most important regulators of kidney fibrosis, the pathological hallmark of irreversible loss of kidney function in CKD (Dendooven et al., 2011; Jenkins and Fraser, 2011). Here, BMP6 is linked to chronic kidney disease.