Exosomal microRNAs: potential nanotherapeutic targets for diabetic kidney disease
Lulu Han1,2, Xiaoning Cai3, Hong Zhou1
1Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
Abstract:
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a primary cause for end-stage renal disease, but no specific therapeutic approaches exist. Exosomal miRNAs, a key functional cargo of nanovesicles, play crucial roles in the pathophysiological processes of DKD. Exosomal miRNAs are involved in cell-to-cell transfer of biological information, mediating nephritic inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis. Circulating exosomal miRNAs derived from urine or serum might function as noninvasive prognostic biomarkers for DKD. Exosomal miRNAs from stem cells have been reported to exert beneficial effects on diabetic kidneys, which suggests that these exosomes might function as potential nanotherapy tools for treating DKD. In this review, we have summarized recent studies based on the association between exosomal miRNAs and DKD.
Insights
Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are key in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) progression and may serve as biomarkers. Stem cell-derived exosomes show promise for DKD nanotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease with limited therapeutic options.
- Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are critical mediators in DKD pathogenesis, influencing inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrosis.
- These exosomal miRNAs facilitate intercellular communication within the kidney.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the role of exosomal miRNAs in the development and progression of DKD.
- To explore the potential of exosomal miRNAs as noninvasive biomarkers for DKD diagnosis and prognosis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived exosomes in treating DKD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on exosomal miRNAs and DKD.
- Analysis of the involvement of exosomal miRNAs in DKD-related cellular processes.
- Evaluation of exosomal miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Exosomal miRNAs are implicated in key pathophysiological pathways of DKD.
- Circulating exosomal miRNAs in urine or serum show potential as noninvasive biomarkers for DKD.
- Stem cell-derived exosomes demonstrate therapeutic benefits for diabetic kidneys, suggesting nanotherapy applications.
Conclusions:
- Exosomal miRNAs play a significant role in DKD pathophysiology and progression.
- Exosomal miRNAs represent promising noninvasive biomarkers for DKD.
- Exosomes, particularly those from stem cells, offer a potential nanotherapy strategy for DKD treatment.
