Suppression of microRNA Activity in Kidney Collecting Ducts Induces Partial Loss of Epithelial Phenotype and Renal Fibrosis.

ABSTRACT: microRNAs (miRNAs) are sequence-specific inhibitors of post-transcriptional gene expression. The physiologic function of these noncoding RNAs in postnatal renal tubules still remains unclear. Surprisingly, they appear to be dispensable for mammalian proximal tubule (PT) function. Here, we examined the effects of miRNA suppression in collecting ducts (CDs). To conclusively evaluate the role of miRNAs, we generated three mouse models with CD-specific inactivation of key miRNA pathway genes Dicer, Dgcr8, and the entire Argonaute gene family (Ago1, 2, 3, and 4). Characterization of these three mouse models revealed that inhibition of miRNAs in CDs spontaneously evokes a renal tubule injury-like response, which culminates in progressive tubulointerstiti

SUBMITTER: Hajarnis S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5791084 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature