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TGF-β1 signaling in kidney disease: From Smads to long non-coding RNAs

Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang1,2, Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang3, Jeff Yat-Fai Chung3

  • 1Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Non-Coding RNA Research
|August 31, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) drives kidney disease. This review explores how TGF-β1-regulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) contribute to kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and renal cell carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is crucial in kidney disease development.
  • Directly targeting TGF-β1 is challenging due to its diverse physiological roles.
  • Understanding TGF-β1's specific mechanisms in renal inflammation and fibrosis is key for precise therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of TGF-β1-driven long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in kidney diseases.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of TGF-β1-mediated renal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis.
  • To discuss the involvement of disease- and tissue-specific lncRNAs in kidney pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on TGF-β1 signaling in kidney diseases.
  • Analysis of the Smad signaling pathway (Smad3 activation, Smad7 suppression).
  • Investigation into the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs, particularly lncRNAs, in TGF-β1's effects.

Main Results:

  • Smad signaling is a critical pathway in TGF-β1-induced renal injury.
  • TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling promotes renal inflammation and fibrosis by regulating non-coding RNAs.
  • Disease- and tissue-specific TGF-β1-dependent lncRNAs are increasingly recognized in kidney disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β1 plays a significant role in kidney injury through lncRNA regulation.
  • Targeting specific TGF-β1-dependent lncRNAs may offer precise therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research into lncRNAs in kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, and renal cell carcinoma is warranted.

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