MicroRNA Expression and Target Prediction in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome.

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of kidney diseases in children. Many studies have examined the association of microRNAs playing potential roles in many pathophysiological functions. We investigated the expression pattern of the microRNAs miR-17-5P, miR-155p, miR-424-5p in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid resistance nephrotic syndrome (SRNS), along with the healthy subjects.

Materials and methods: Total RNA was isolated from the urine samples from the three groups (SSNS n = 100, SRNS n = 100, and healthy control group n = 100). Bioinformatics tools such as miRWalk and miR-Tar link were used in predicting targets for the microRNAs. Online database and g profiler software are used to evaluate the targets based on the biological functions. The expression pattern for the candidate microRNAs was carried out using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) equipment.

Results: miR-424 and miR-155 were upregulated in SRNS group while miR-17 was downregulated in SRNS group. miR-424-5p and miR-155p was up regulated in SRNS group while miR-17-5p was downregulated.

Conclusion: Combined analysis of gene expression along with studied candidate microRNAs can give better understanding of the pathogenesis of childhood nephrotic syndrome.