Using cultured podocytes subjected to cyclic mechanical stretching to mimic glomerular capillary wall distension during hypertension and hyperfiltration, they found that mechanical stretch induced reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and increased expression of stretch-sensitive genes, such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The gene discussed is CCN2; the disease is hypertensive disorder.