Noncoding RNAs in diabetic nephropathy

Abstract

Abstract Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major microvascular complication in diabetic patients. It has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in individuals living in urban areas undergoing dialysis. DN diagnosis primarily depends on the course of diabetes and the detection of albuminuria. However, the onset of DN is obscure, and many patients have already developed ESRD when they are diagnosed with DN. Hence, early diagnosis of DN progression and early interventional strategies are essential. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts that are transcribed from DNA but are not translated into proteins. They play an important role in regulating gene expression and protein synthesis. Several studies have demonstrated that ncRNAs are abundantly present in the blood, urine, and tissues and have the potential to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of DN. This review focuses on the role of microRNAs, long ncRNAs, and circular RNAs in DN and their potential value as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.