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Updated: Jun 15, 2025
MicroRNA In situ Hybridization for Formalin Fixed Kidney Tissues
Published on: November 30, 2013
microRNAs in kidney diseases: Regulation, therapeutics, and biomarker potential
Zhiwen Liu1, Ying Fu1, Mingjuan Yan2
1Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, Hunan, China.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression by inhibiting the translation of their specific target messenger RNAs. To date, numerous studies have demonstrated changes in the expression of miRNAs in the kidneys throughout the progression of both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in both human patients and experimental models. The role of specific microRNAs in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases has also been demonstrated. Further studies have elucidated the regulation of these microRNAs in diseased kidneys. Besides, certain miRNAs are detected in plasma and/or urine in kidney diseases and are potential diagnostic biomarkers. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in our understanding of how miRNAs contribute to kidney diseases. We also explore the potential of miRNAs as both biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these conditions, and highlight future research directions.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are altered in kidney diseases like acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). These miRNAs show potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for kidney conditions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Nephrology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs regulating gene expression by inhibiting mRNA translation.
- Altered miRNA expression is observed in kidneys during acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans and models.
- Specific miRNAs are implicated in kidney disease pathogenesis and their regulation in diseased kidneys is increasingly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in understanding miRNA roles in kidney diseases.
- To explore the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for kidney conditions.
- To highlight future research directions in the field of miRNAs and kidney disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNA expression and function in kidney diseases.
- Analysis of research on miRNA regulation in pathological kidney conditions.
- Evaluation of evidence for circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in plasma and urine.
Main Results:
- miRNAs are critical regulators of gene expression with significant roles in kidney disease.
- Changes in miRNA expression patterns are characteristic of AKI and CKD.
- Certain miRNAs are detectable in biofluids, suggesting diagnostic potential.
- miRNAs represent promising targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are key players in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases.
- Circulating miRNAs hold promise as non-invasive biomarkers for kidney disease diagnosis and monitoring.
- Targeting miRNAs offers a potential therapeutic avenue for treating kidney diseases.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate miRNA functions and clinical applications in nephrology.
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