Blockade of SRF by an SRF-specific siRNA or CCG-1423 reduced Cyr61 induction, protected renal tubular epithelial cells from undergoing EMyT and improved the chronic progression after ischemic AKI both in vitro and in vivo.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Increased SRF/Cyr61 pathway activity promotes EMyT and dysfunction in renal tubular epithelial cells in the chronic progression after AKI. This evidence concerns the gene CCN1 and acute kidney injury.