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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Microarray-based approach identifies microRNAs and their target functional patterns in polycystic kidney disease
Priyanka Pandey1, Benedikt Brors, Prashant K Srivastava
1Medical Research Center, University Hospital Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany. priyankashahi2001@gmail.com
Background:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play key roles in mammalian gene expression and several cellular processes, including differentiation, development, apoptosis and cancer pathomechanisms. Recently the biological importance of primary cilia has been recognized in a number of human genetic diseases. Numerous disorders are related to cilia dysfunction, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Although involvement of certain genes and transcriptional networks in PKD development has been shown, not much is known how they are regulated molecularly.
Results:
Given the emerging role of miRNAs in gene expression, we explored the possibilities of miRNA-based regulations in PKD. Here, we analyzed the simultaneous expression changes of miRNAs and mRNAs by microarrays. 935 genes, classified into 24 functional categories, were differentially regulated between PKD and control animals. In parallel, 30 miRNAs were differentially regulated in PKD rats: our results suggest that several miRNAs might be involved in regulating genetic switches in PKD. Furthermore, we describe some newly detected miRNAs, miR-31 and miR-217, in the kidney which have not been reported previously. We determine functionally related gene sets, or pathways to reveal the functional correlation between differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs.
Conclusion:
We find that the functional patterns of predicted miRNA targets and differentially expressed mRNAs are similar. Our results suggest an important role of miRNAs in specific pathways underlying PKD.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression in polycystic kidney disease (PKD). This study identified differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, revealing their role in PKD pathways.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression in mammals.
- Primary cilia dysfunction is implicated in genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
- Molecular mechanisms underlying PKD pathogenesis are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression in polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
- To identify differentially expressed miRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in PKD.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous microarray analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression in PKD and control animals.
- Bioinformatic analysis to identify differentially regulated genes and miRNAs.
- Functional categorization of differentially expressed genes and pathway analysis.
Main Results:
- 935 genes and 30 miRNAs showed differential expression between PKD and control rats.
- Several miRNAs, including newly identified miR-31 and miR-217 in the kidney, are suggested to regulate genetic pathways in PKD.
- Functional patterns of predicted miRNA targets and differentially expressed mRNAs were found to be similar.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs play a significant role in specific molecular pathways involved in PKD.
- The findings provide insights into miRNA-mediated gene regulation in the context of PKD.
