Where are we in diabetic nephropathy: microRNAs and biomarkers?

Purpose of reviewSeveral factors are now known to contribute to the development and progression of nephropathy, particularly in diabetes. In recent times, there has been surge of interest in the role of small noncoding RNA, with several reports focusing on the effects of microRNAs on their target genes that are of relevance to nephropathy. This review focuses on recent progress in this field.Recent findingsThe list of microRNAs that have been identified to play a role in nephropathy continues to grow. Of particular interest is the fact that most microRNAs that are implicated in nephropathy are regulated by the profibrotic factor, transforming growth factor-. Additionally, some recent studies have used the presence of microRNAs in biofluids as a source of potential biomarkers for many diseases, particularly in diabetic nephropathy.SummaryMicroRNAs hold much promise given their novelty, promiscuity and involvement in many biological and pathological processes. There are promising early signs of their potential as biomarkers as well as therapeutic targets.