miRNAs in Glomerular Diseases: From Pathogenic Insight to Therapeutic Potential: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Renal Physiology and Disease
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression posttranscriptionally.
• They control essential cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress responses.
• Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of miRNAs in renal physiology and disease, particularly glomerulopathies.
• To summarize the pathogenic and protective functions of miRNAs in major glomerulopathies.
• To discuss the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on miRNAs in renal diseases.
• Analysis of pathogenic and protective roles of miRNAs in glomerulopathies.
• Evaluation of miRNA expression profiles in kidney disease contexts.

Main Results:

• miRNAs play critical roles in the development and progression of renal diseases, including glomerulonephritis.
• Specific miRNA expression patterns are associated with different kidney conditions.
• miRNAs show potential as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.

Conclusions:

• miRNAs are significant regulators in renal pathophysiology and disease.
• Targeting specific miRNAs offers potential for personalized therapeutic strategies in kidney diseases.
• Further research is needed to clarify the primary pathogenic roles versus secondary responses and enhance diagnostic accuracy by combining miRNAs with other markers.