miR-216a-5p promotes mesangial cell proliferation by targeting FoxO1 in diabetic nephropathy

Cong Huang1, Yi Zheng2, Yuanzhen Chen1

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Guangming New District People's Hospital Shenzhen, China.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA-216a-5p promotes diabetic nephropathy progression by affecting cell cycle regulation via targeting FoxO1. This microRNA may serve as a novel biomarker for diabetic nephropathy treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in DN pathogenesis, but miR-216a-5p's role remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the mechanism of miR-216a-5p in diabetic nephropathy progression.
  • To investigate the role of miR-216a-5p in regulating human mesangial cell (HMC) proliferation and cell cycle.

Main Methods:

  • Established a DN model in HMCs using high glucose treatment.
  • Assessed cell proliferation (CCK-8), cell cycle (flow cytometry), and gene/protein expression (qRT-PCR, WB).
  • Investigated miR-216a-5p and FoxO1 interaction using bioinformatics and luciferase assays.

Main Results:

  • miR-216a-5p was upregulated, and FoxO1 downregulated in DN tissues.
  • miR-216a-5p promoted HMC proliferation by regulating the cell cycle, targeting FoxO1.
  • miR-216a-5p modulated cell cycle proteins (cyclinD1, CDK4, CDK6, p27); FoxO1 restoration reversed these effects.

Conclusions:

  • miR-216a-5p promotes DN progression by targeting FoxO1 and regulating the cell cycle in HMCs.
  • miR-216a-5p may represent a novel therapeutic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy.