Purpose of review: The current review aims to present the most recent achievements on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) on the kidney function to stimulate research in the field and to expand new emerging concepts.
Recent findings: The focus is on the role of miRNAs in intercellular communication along the segments of the nephron and on the epi-miRNAs, namely the possibility of some miRNAs to modulate the epigenetic machinery and so gene expression. Indeed, recent evidence showed that miRNAs included in exosomes and released by proximal tubule cells can modulate ENaC activity on cells of collecting duct. These data, although, from in-vitro models open to a novel role for miRNAs to participate in paracrine signaling pathways. In addition, the role of miRNAs as epigenetic modulators is expanding not only in the cancer field, but also in the other kidney diseases. Recent evidence identified three miRNAs able to modulate the AQP2 promoter metilation and showing an additional level of regulation for the AQP2.
Summary: These evidence can inspire novel area of research both for renal physiology and drug discovery. The diseases involving the collecting duct are still missing disease modifying agents and the expanding miRNAs field could represent an opportunity.
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