MicroRNAs in Acute Kidney Injury

Background: It is increasingly recognised that improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI) requires an understanding of distinct underling cellular and molecular mechanisms (endotypes) that may distinguish overtly similar clinical AKI presentations. One important avenue of research is the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in response to kidney injury mediated by microRNAs.

Summary: This mini-review summarises the use of microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in AKI. The contribution of microRNAs to the pathophysiology of AKI will be highlighted along with the potential for therapeutic applications. Key Messages: While there is great potential for a better understanding of AKI, microRNAs form a complex regulatory network. Understanding the role and significance of microRNAs in the context of AKI and critical illness is a major endeavour in translational medicine, requiring the integration of clinical and experimental data.