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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

MicroRNA In situ Hybridization for Formalin Fixed Kidney Tissues
Published on: November 30, 2013
MicroRNAs in kidney physiology and disease
Piera Trionfini1, Ariela Benigni1, Giuseppe Remuzzi1
1Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Centro Anna Maria Astori, Kilometro Rosso Science and Technology Park, Via Stezzano 87, 24126 Bergamo, Italy.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They have important roles during kidney development, homeostasis and disease. In particular, miRNAs participate in the onset and progression of tubulointerstitial sclerosis and end-stage glomerular lesions that occur in various forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, miRNAs represent potential new therapeutic targets for a debilitating disease that continues to increase in prevalence worldwide and for which fully effective therapies are lacking. Several lines of research aimed at improving common CKD diagnostic tools and avoiding invasive kidney biopsies have also identified circulating miRNAs as possible diagnostic and even prognostic biomarkers of kidney disease. This Review discusses current understanding of the function of miRNAs in CKD, focusing on functions specifically involved in the transforming growth factor β1 pathway, which is activated in CKD. miRNAs that, according to available evidence, seem to be involved in diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease and graft rejection, are also discussed.
Insights
MicroRNAs regulate gene expression and are crucial in kidney disease progression. They show promise as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Nephrology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression.
- miRNAs play vital roles in kidney development, homeostasis, and disease pathogenesis.
- They are implicated in tubulointerstitial sclerosis and glomerular lesions in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of miRNAs in CKD.
- To focus on miRNA involvement in the transforming growth factor β1 pathway.
- To discuss miRNAs in specific kidney diseases like diabetic nephropathy and IgA nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on miRNAs in CKD.
- Analysis of miRNA involvement in the TGF-β1 pathway.
- Examination of miRNA roles in various nephropathies and graft rejection.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are key players in CKD onset and progression.
- Circulating miRNAs are potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for kidney disease.
- The transforming growth factor β1 pathway is a significant target for miRNA research in CKD.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs represent promising therapeutic targets for CKD.
- miRNAs can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for kidney disease diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a potential strategy to combat the increasing prevalence of CKD.
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