CCN2 and kidney disorder: Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of total RNA isolated from kidneys on day 14 post-surgery revealed a notable upregulation in the expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix components that accumulate during kidney disease progression, including collagen type Iα, fibronectin EIIIA isoform, and the profibrotic factor Ccn2, in all groups (Fig. 2A).