MicroRNAs in Renal Development and Regeneration

MicroRNAs play important roles in the complex developmental process that lead to the generation of the kidney. Striking abnormalities of renal structure and function are seen when components of the microRNA biogenesis machinery are deleted in animal models, with features that are often redolent of human kidney diseases, including congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. Important roles for specific microRNAs in renal development have recently been recognized. The kidney has the capacity to undergo regeneration following certain types of injury but important disease processes such as fibrosis and apoptosis can limit the ability to regenerate. This chapter reviews the role of microRNAs in renal development, renal regeneration, and disease processes that might constrain the use of microRNAs to achieve therapeutic renal regeneration.