Role of microRNA machinery in kidney fibrosis

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that are critical regulators of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. The miRNAs constitute an abundant class of RNAs conserved from plants to animals and, as such, play key roles in diverse biological processes, including inflammation, development, differentiation and apoptosis. More recently, it has become apparent that changes in miRNA expression contribute to a wide spectrum of human pathologies, including heart and kidney disease, organ developmental abnormalities and neuronal degeneration. Moreover, inflammation and the development of kidney fibrosis is accompanied by changes in miRNA expression. This review summarizes the emerging field deciphering the complex connections between human miRNA biology and different aspects of kidney injury, focusing on kidney fibrosis. The miRNA-regulated fibrosis is discussed based on the classification of pivotal mechanisms, notably involving the transforming growth factor-β1 signalling pathway. In addition, the challenge of miRNA delivery vehicles as mechanisms of cellular transfer are reviewed, as is the use of miRNA as a potential biomarker for disease.