Circular RNAs as novel biomarkers in glomerular diseases

Abstract

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate gene expression and biological procedures by controlling target genes or downstream pathways by sponging their related miRNA (s). Three types of circRNAs have been identified; exonic circRNAs (ecircRNAs), intronic RNAs (ciRNAs), and exon-intron circRNAs (ElciRNAs). It is clarified that altered levels of circRNAs have dynamic pathological and physiological functions in kidney diseases. Evidence suggests that circRNAs can be considered novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for renal diseases. Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a general term used to refer to a wide range of glomerular diseases. GN is an important cause of chronic kidney diseases. Here, we review the biogenesis of circRNAs, and their molecular and physiological functions in the kidney. Moreover, the dysregulated expression of circRNAs and their biological functions are discussed in primary and secondary glomerulonephritis. Moreover, diagnostic and therapeutic values of circRNAs in distinguishing or treating different types of GN are highlighted.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Circular RNAs
• glomerulopathy
• long non-coding RNAs
• glomerulus
• kidney

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data sharing not applicable-no new data generated.

Additional information

Funding

This study was financially supported by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran (Grant number, #71588).