MicroRNAs As A Potential Diagnostic And Therapeutic Target For Kidney Disease

Micro RNAs(mi RNA)are a family of endogenous single stranded small non-coding RNA with approximately 18 to 25 nucleotides length.By binding with the 3'-untranslated region(3'-UTR)of target m RNAs,mi RNA inhibit the translation and / or promotes the degradation of m RNAs,thereby play a regulatory role in post-transcriptional level.Thus,mi RNAs are involved in numerous physiological activities of the body,such as cell cycle,growth,proliferation,apoptosis and metabolism.In recent years,large quantities of experimental studies have found that mi RNAs also play an significant role in maintaining renal homeostasis and kidney disease.The role of mi RNAs in the development of diabetic nephropathy and progression of renal fibrosis has been demonstrated through in vivo and in vitro animal experimental models.Specific mi RNAs detected of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and kidney tissue were up-regulated or down-regulated in different renal diseases.In addition,urine mi RNAs also show special functions in monitoring kidney damage.Besides,mi RNAs represent emerging potential non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of kidney disease.Furthermore,the using of antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors(antagomirs)and mi RNA mimics can modify mi RNAs have been developed.It is expected to become a new direction of treatment in kidney diseases by using mi RNA blockers or analogs as therapeutic agents.This article reviews recent research findings on the role of mi RNAs in the pathophysiology of kidney diseases,and to look forward to the development of diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases in the future.