Non-Coding RNAs as Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common diabetic complication and is a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Increasing evidence shows that DKD is regulated not only by many classical signaling pathways but also by epigenetic mechanisms involving chromatin histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA (ncRNAs). In this review, we focus on our current understanding of the role and mechanisms of ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the pathogenesis of DKD. Of them, the regulatory role of TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent miRNAs and lncRNAs in DKD is highlighted. Importantly, miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DKD are also described, and the perspective of ncRNAs as a novel therapeutic approach for combating diabetic nephropathy is also discussed.

Automated summary

DKD is regulated by both classical signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms, including chromatin histone modifications, DNA methylation, and ncRNAs. This review focuses on the role of ncRNAs, such as miRNAs and lncRNAs, in the pathogenesis of DKD, with an emphasis on TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent miRNAs and lncRNAs. Additionally, the potential of miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for DKD is discussed, highlighting the perspective of ncRNAs as a novel therapeutic approach for combating diabetic nephropathy.