MiRNAs in kidney transplantation: potential role as new biomarkers

MiRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small endogenous, noncoding RNAs with important roles in regulating gene expression known to play a role in many cellular functions including cellular differentiation, cell proliferation, cell development and functional regulation of the immune system, among others. As such, miRNAs are emerging not only as potential biomarkers but also as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review the currently published work on miRNAs and renal transplantation as it pertains to ischemia-reperfusion injury, acute kidney injury, delayed graft function, calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, acute rejection, chronic allograft dysfunction and kidney fibrosis.