In summary, TP combats DKD fibrosis through a concerted mechanism, such as direct inhibition of the core TGF-β/Smad and PI3K/Akt pathways and blockade of a novel MEX3C-PTEN ubiquitination axis that drives the EMT and immunomodulation of activated RTECs to reduce interstitial inflammation. Here, TGFB1 is linked to diabetic kidney disease.