ReviewPost screenNoncoding RNA and epigenetic gene regulation in renal diseases

- miRNAs and long non-coding RNAs are differentially expressed in renal diseases.
- Chromatin modifying proteins are important gene regulators in renal diseases.
- miRNAs serve as biomarkers of various renal diseases.
- Non-coding RNAs are potential therapeutic targets in a number of renal diseases.
- Inhibitors of chromatin modulators are therapeutic in animal models of renal diseases.

Kidneys have a major role in normal physiology and metabolic homeostasis. Loss or impairment of kidney function is a common occurrence in several metabolic disorders, including hypertension and diabetes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affect nearly 10% of the population worldwide; ranks 18th in the list of causes of death; and contributes to a significant proportion of healthcare costs. The tissue repair and regenerative potential of kidneys are limited and they decline during aging. Recent studies have demonstrated a key role for epigenetic processes and players, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding (nc)RNA, and so on, in both kidney development and disease. In this review, we highlight these recent findings with an emphasis on aberrant epigenetic changes that accompany renal diseases, key targets, and their therapeutic value.