Urinary microRNA in Kidney Disease: Utility and Roles.

Urinary microRNA in Kidney Disease: Utility and Roles. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol. 2019 Feb 13;: Authors: Sun IO, Lerman LO Abstract MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides that modulate physiological and pathological processes by modulating target gene expression. Many miRNAs display tissue-specific expression patterns, the dysregulation of which has been associated with various disease states, including kidney disease. Mounting evidence implicates miRNAs in various biological processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and cancer. Because miRNAs are relatively stable in tissue and biological fluids, particularly when carried by extracellular vesicles, changes in their levels may reflect development of human disease. Urinary microRNA originate from primary kidney cells and urinary tract cells, cells infiltrating the renal tissue and shed in the urine, or systemic circulation. Although their validity as biomarkers for kidney disease has not been fully established, studies have been applying analysis of miRNAs in the urine in an attempt to detect and monitor acute and chronic renal diseases. Because appreciation of the significance of miRNAs in the renal field is on the rise, understanding miRNAs pathways that regulate renal physiology and pathophysiology is becoming critically important. This review aims to summarize new data obtained in this field of research. Hopefully, new developm...
Source: American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology - Category: Physiology Authors: Tags: Am J Physiol Renal Physiol Source Type: research