Extracellular vesicles in renal therapeutics: involvement of microRNAs

Hend Ashour1, Hind Zafrah2, Mohamed H Elsayed3

  • 1Departement of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. hiahmad@kku.edu.sa.

Folia Morphologica
|February 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Extracellular vesicle microRNAs (EVs-miRs) show dual roles in kidney disease, potentially aiding regeneration or exacerbating fibrosis. Further research is crucial to harness their therapeutic potential for renal injuries.

Area of Science:

  • Renal medicine
  • Molecular biology
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs or miRs) are investigated for their role in renal diseases.
  • Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vesicles released by cells that carry miRs.
  • EVs-miRs can regulate recipient cell functions and may promote cellular regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of EVs-miRs in various renal diseases.
  • To explore the potential of EVs-miRs as a novel management approach for renal injuries.
  • To elucidate the dual modulatory impact of miRs in cellular signaling and pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on EVs-miRs in renal diseases.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating the beneficial and hazardous effects of specific miRs.
  • Discussion of signaling pathways influenced by EVs-miRs, such as Akt and FoxO1.

Main Results:

  • EVs-miRs can preserve their function and regulate recipient cell functions.
  • Specific EVs-miRs, like EVs-miR-23a, can have opposing effects: attenuating fibrosis or promoting inflammation.
  • Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1a) can upregulate EVs-miR-23a, contributing to renal inflammation and fibrosis.

Conclusions:

  • EVs-miRs represent a novel therapeutic avenue for managing renal injuries.
  • The dual effects of EVs-miRs necessitate further investigation to optimize their clinical application.
  • Understanding the precise mechanisms of EVs-miRs is essential for developing targeted treatments for kidney diseases.