Urinary MicroRNA biomarkers of nephrotoxicity in Macaca fascicularis

We are delighted to share our latest publication from the Emerging Systems Toxicology for the Assessment of Risk (eSTAR) Committee. This study from the miRNA Working Group is aimed to find biomarkers that can predict kidney damage.  The researchers utilized samples from an existing monkey study treated with a nephrotoxic drug. They analyzed urine samples to compare traditional protein biomarkers and miRNAs for prediction of renal injury. Additionally, miRNA samples were compared in whole urine versus in the extracellular vesicles (EVs). miRNAs in the EV fraction were overall more predictive than those in whole urine compared to histopathology. The study highlights the potential of using microRNAs as a non-invasive method for diagnosing and monitoring kidney injury caused by drugs.  Further research is needed to develop a panel of microRNAs as biomarkers and understand their role in kidney disease.

Link to full article below:

Urinary MicroRNA biomarkers of nephrotoxicity in Macaca fascicularis. Dasgupta et. al., 26 June 2024. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105668