daphnepedunin A

Daphnepedunin A is a natural daphnane diterpenoid isolated from the medicinal plants *Wikstroemia chamaedaphne* and *Daphne pedunculata*. It acts as a cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) inhibitor. By directly binding to and inhibiting Cdc42, daphnepedunin A downregulates downstream phospho-protein kinase Cζ (p-PKCζ) and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β) signaling, which promotes β-catenin phosphorylation and ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis, thereby blocking pro-fibrotic β-catenin signaling. It has been investigated preclinically for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal fibrosis, demonstrating potent anti-fibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo.