168: Low circulating miR-190a-5p predicts progression of chronic kidney disease

️ Episode 168: Low circulating miR-190a-5p predicts progression of chronic kidney disease In this episode of PaperCast Base by Base, we explore how unbiased small RNA sequencing and multi-cohort validation identify circulating miR-190a-5p as a prognostic marker of chronic kidney disease that reflects tubular health and points to a potential therapeutic strategy. Study Highlights:Using small RNA-sequencing of plasma from people with and without CKD in the context of type 2 diabetes, the authors found miR-190a-5p to be significantly reduced in those with impaired kidney function.In an independent prospective CKD cohort, lower serum miR-190a-5p predicted progression among patients with none to moderate albuminuria and improved risk prediction when added to standard clinical variables.Kidney biopsy analyses showed that tissue miR-190a-5p correlates with circulating levels, estimated GFR, and tubular epithelial mass, and inversely with interstitial fibrosis, with expression enriched in proximal tubules.In mouse models, restoring miR-190a-5p reduced tubular injury and fibrosis and repressed ADAM10 expression, supporting a mechanistic role for miR-190a-5p in maintaining tubular cell health. Conclusion:miR-190a-5p emerges as a tubular-derived biomarker that enhances prognostication in CKD with low–moderate proteinuria and represents a promising candidate for miRNA-mimic therapy development. Reference:Baird DP, Zang J, Connor KL, Teenan O, Reck M, Cairns C, Sutherland C, Bell RMB, Traynor JP, Wong R, Ferenbach DA, Hughes J, Mark PB, Maxwell AP, McKay GJ, Simpson DA, Conway BR, Denby L. Low circulating miR-190a-5p predicts progression of chronic kidney disease. Nature Communications. 2025;16:9154. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-64168-6 License:This episode is based on an open-access article published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Support:If you'd like to support Base by Base, you can make a one-time or monthly donation here: https://basebybase.castos.com/