The increased expression levels of renal fibrosis-related genes (Grem2, Id3, Fst, Dcn) and renal damage-related genes (Runx1, Vtn, Clo6a2, Tnxb, Itga8, Timp2, Fgfr2, Fgf9) further supported the idea that miPEP31 deficiency exacerbated Ang II-induced kidney inflammation (Fig. 2E). This evidence concerns the gene DCN and renal fibrosis.