Long noncoding RNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease: implications for novel therapeutic strategies

Diabetic kidney disease is a progressive disorder that develops secondary to diabetes. Current strategies for the clinical management of the disease can delay its onset and prevent progression, yet a significant proportion of patients still develop renal failure. The need for more advanced pharmaceuticals is therefore critical for improved treatment strategies. Recent studies support a role for long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of human disease. Here we review recent experimental results linking lncRNAs with diabetic kidney disease. A better understanding of the regulatory role that lncRNAs play in the development of diabetic kidney disease may lead to identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention.