To evaluate whether LCN2 overexpression exacerbates CKD-VC progression in vivo, we established a VSMCs-targeted LCN2 overexpressing mouse model by injecting adeno-associated virus AAV9-SM22α-vector or AAV9-SM22α-LCN2 into mice through the lateral tail vein and then providing the mice an AP diet to induce CKD-VC (Fig. 5A). The gene discussed is LCN2; the disease is chronic kidney disease.