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Updated: May 5, 2026

MicroRNA In situ Hybridization for Formalin Fixed Kidney Tissues
Published on: November 30, 2013
Correlation of hsa-mirna-342-3p and SOX 6 Expression with Diabetic Nephropathy Classification, Prognostic
Gözde Arslan1, Yasemin Yuyucu Karabulut1, İrem Yeleser2
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey.
Abstract:
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. The most popular biomarkers in current research on DN are microRNAs. There are studies showing that while the expression of SOX6 increases, hsa-miR-342-3p expression decreases in kidney tissues with DN. The current study evaluated hsa-miR-342-3p expression by Real Time PCR and SOX6 expression by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 110 DN biopsies, as well as their relationship with various clinical and histomorphological parameters. An inverse relationship between expression of hsa-miR-342-3p and SOX6 was demonstrated. SOX6 genetic expression was correlated with serum creatinine and tubular basement membrane thickening. Immunohistochemically, SOX6 staining was observed in mesangial cells and podocytes in 21 patients, with tubular staining in 45, and interstitial staining in 27 patients. Tubular staining was associated with proteinuria, interstitial fibrosis and inflammation; interstitial staining was associated with creatinine; and staining in the glomerular compartment was associated with advanced DN class. Our study is the first in the literature in which SOX6 was applied immunohistochemically in human kidney tissue, and its relation with DN classes was examined. We demonstrate its correlation with laboratory and histomorphological parameters, and provide a rational basis for future studies on larger patient groups that may result in the development of new biomarkers to predict the progression of DN and enhance its treatment.
Insights
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression may be predicted by SOX6 expression in kidney tissue. This study found SOX6 levels correlate with clinical and histomorphological markers, suggesting its potential as a novel biomarker for DN.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease.
- MicroRNAs and SOX6 are implicated in DN pathogenesis, with studies suggesting an inverse relationship in kidney tissue.
- Current research lacks comprehensive analysis of SOX6's role and expression patterns in human DN biopsies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of hsa-miR-342-3p and SOX6 in human DN kidney biopsies.
- To investigate the relationship between SOX6 expression and clinical/histomorphological parameters of DN.
- To explore the potential of SOX6 as a biomarker for DN progression.
Main Methods:
- Real-Time PCR was used to assess hsa-miR-342-3p expression.
- Immunohistochemistry was employed to evaluate SOX6 expression in 110 DN biopsies.
- Statistical analysis correlated biomarker expression with clinical data and histopathological findings.
Main Results:
- An inverse relationship was observed between hsa-miR-342-3p and SOX6 expression.
- SOX6 genetic expression correlated with serum creatinine and tubular basement membrane thickening.
- Immunohistochemical SOX6 staining in different kidney compartments (glomerular, tubular, interstitial) showed distinct associations with proteinuria, fibrosis, inflammation, creatinine levels, and DN class.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to use immunohistochemistry for SOX6 in human kidney tissue and correlate it with DN.
- SOX6 expression is linked to key clinical and histomorphological features of diabetic nephropathy.
- SOX6 shows promise as a potential biomarker for predicting DN progression and guiding treatment strategies.
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