Suppression of microRNA activity in kidney collecting ducts induces partial loss of epithelial phenotype and renal fibrosis
Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) are sequence-specific inhibitors of post-transcriptional gene
expression. The physiologic function of these noncoding RNAs in postnatal renal tubules
still remains unclear. Surprisingly, they appear to be dispensable for mammalian proximal
tubule (PT) function. Here, we examined the effects of miRNA suppression in collecting
ducts (CDs). To conclusively evaluate the role of miRNAs, we generated three mouse
models with CD-specific inactivation of key miRNA pathway genes Dicer, Dgcr8, and the …
expression. The physiologic function of these noncoding RNAs in postnatal renal tubules
still remains unclear. Surprisingly, they appear to be dispensable for mammalian proximal
tubule (PT) function. Here, we examined the effects of miRNA suppression in collecting
ducts (CDs). To conclusively evaluate the role of miRNAs, we generated three mouse
models with CD-specific inactivation of key miRNA pathway genes Dicer, Dgcr8, and the …
