MicroRNAs as potential therapeutic targets in kidney disease

J Formos Med Assoc. 2013 May;112(5):237-43. doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2012.12.011. Epub 2013 Feb 4.

Abstract

One cornerstone of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fibrosis, as kidneys are susceptible due to their high vascularity and predisposition to ischemia. Presently, only therapies targeting the angiotensin receptor are used in clinical practice to retard the progression of CKD. Thus, there is a pressing need for new therapies designed to treat the damaged kidney. Several independent laboratories have identified a number of microRNAs that are dysregulated in human and animal models of CKD. This review will explore the evidence suggesting that by blocking the activity of such dysregulated microRNAs, new therapeutics could be developed to treat the progression of CKD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epithelial Cells / pathology
  • Fibrosis
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / genetics
  • Kidney Diseases / therapy*
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • MicroRNAs / physiology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs