Although I have met a lot of difficulties during my studies in Germany, due to the support and help from my teachers, colleagues, family and friends, I have finished the project of my doctoral thesis.

First of all, I thank my supervisor, Dr. Harm Peters, who offered me the chance and guided me in this interesting project at the research laboratory of work group Peters, Center of Cardiovascular Research and Department of Nephrology, Charité Mitte Hospital of Medical University at Berlin. He has given me much help and support and introduced me to many scientific concepts and ideas, which will be helpful for my future career.

There are many laboratory methods used in my project. I thank all my colleagues in the lab, Stephanie Krämer, Tanja Loof, Sebastian Martini, Matthias Rückert, Susanne Kron and Lysann Hinz, who gave me wonderful technical support. Three years of a great working experience in the happy fibrosis research family will stay in my mind forever.

Of course, I thank my family in China. Their support and encouragement have stood by me in solving all difficulties.

Lastly, I am grateful for the support from a DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) scholarship in finishing the project.