The role of microRNAs in the development of renal fibrosis

• Grant number: 15/00722-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2015
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Mirian Aparecida Boim
• Grantee: Mariana da Silva Perez
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a fibrotic process that leads to progressive and irreversible loss of kidney function. The pathophysiology of CKD involves several mechanisms such as hemodynamic disorders and inflammatory processes by activation of TGF-², an important factor in inducing synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition, leading to tissue fibrosis. In addition, TGF-² is capable of modulating the expression of various microRNAs (miRs). The miRs are small non-coding RNAs with an important role in gene regulation. The participation of some miRs in the development of renal fibrogenesis has been described, but their involvement in some fibrogenic pathways are not fully known. Therefore, the objective is to evaluate the functions of miR-29 and miR-101 in the development of renal fibrosis, in an in vitro model.