Frontiers in Pharmacology (Mar 2021)

Role of Circular RNA in Kidney-Related Diseases

  • Xin-Tian Chen,
  • Zhong-Wei Li,
  • Zhong-Wei Li,
  • Xue Zhao,
  • Min-Le Li,
  • Min-Le Li,
  • Ping-Fu Hou,
  • Ping-Fu Hou,
  • Su-Fang Chu,
  • Jun-Nian Zheng,
  • Jun-Nian Zheng,
  • Jin Bai,
  • Jin Bai

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.615882
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12

Abstract

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The kidney is vital in maintaining fluid, electrolyte, and acid–base balance. Kidney-related diseases, which are an increasing public health issue, can happen to people of any age and at any time. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are endogenous RNA that are produced by selective RNA splicing and are involved in progression of various diseases. Studies have shown that various kidney diseases, including renal cell carcinoma, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease, are linked to circRNAs. This review outlines the characteristics and biological functions of circRNAs and discusses specific studies that provide insights into the function and potential of circRNAs for application in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-related diseases.

Keywords