Insights derived from studies on TIMP2 and IGFBP7, which modulate cell cycle, exhibit differential expression and distribution, and undergo alterations in severity of AKI, along with changes in protein distribution, are crucial for guiding the diagnosis of renal injury across various etiologies, extents, and locations (proximal tubule, distal tubule, collecting duct, or interstitium). Here, IGFBP7 is linked to acute kidney injury.