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Updated: Dec 14, 2025
Optimizing Isolation and Purification of Murine Glomerular Mesangial Cells
Published on: March 7, 2025
Identification of plasma miR-106a-5p and miR-30a-5p as potential biomarkers for mesangial proliferative
Lina Wang1, Jie Lin2, Ting Yu3
1Department of Clinical and Military Laboratory Medicine, College of Medical Laboratory Science, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Background:
Although stable microRNAs (miRNAs) are present in human peripheral blood and have been considered as novel biomarkers for various diseases. But there is little research about miRNAs as biomarkers of mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN). This study aimed to identify whether there exist disordered circulating miRNAs that can function as biomarkers for MsPGN disease activity.
Methods:
The candidate miRNAs were validated in 70 MsPGN patients and 70 healthy controls by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The specificity and sensitivity of the miRNA panel was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. In addition, the candidate miRNA levels were measured in the different MsPGN progression and in the membranous nephropathy (MN) patients and the hypothetical role of the candidate miRNA on mesangial cell proliferation was analysed. Situ hybridization was performed to examine the candidate miRNA levels in the glomerulus.
Results:
These results showed that miR-106a-5p and miR-30a-5p were highly expressed in MsPGN patients compared with healthy controls and could discriminate MsPGN from healthy controls with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.93. In addition, the two miRNAs were not only higher in moderate and severe MsPGN patients, but could distinguish MsPGN from MN. We also observed a decreased expression in MsPGN regression group after treatment. Plasma miR-106a-5p level was positively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Furthermore, the two miRNAs were highly expressed in MsPGN glomerulus and their overexpression could prompt mesangial cell proliferation.
Conclusion:
Plasma miR-30a-5p and miR-106a-5p can serve as novel and potential diagnostic biomarkers for MsPGN.
Insights
Plasma miR-30a-5p and miR-106a-5p show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN). These microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly expressed in MsPGN patients and can distinguish disease activity.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Stable microRNAs (miRNAs) in blood are potential disease biomarkers.
- Limited research exists on miRNAs as biomarkers for mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN).
- This study investigates circulating miRNAs for MsPGN disease activity detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific circulating miRNAs indicative of MsPGN disease activity.
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of these miRNAs for MsPGN.
- To explore the role of these miRNAs in mesangial cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) validated candidate miRNAs in 70 MsPGN patients and 70 controls.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed miRNA panel specificity and sensitivity.
- In situ hybridization examined miRNA levels in glomeruli; mesangial cell proliferation assays were conducted.
Main Results:
- miR-106a-5p and miR-30a-5p were highly expressed in MsPGN patients (AUC=0.93).
- These miRNAs differentiated MsPGN from healthy controls and membranous nephropathy (MN), and correlated with disease severity.
- Decreased miRNA expression was observed post-treatment; overexpression promoted mesangial cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Plasma miR-30a-5p and miR-106a-5p show promise as novel diagnostic biomarkers for MsPGN.
- These miRNAs can potentially indicate MsPGN disease activity and progression.
- Further research could establish these miRNAs in clinical diagnostics for MsPGN.
