Mario Schiffer
Germany
Mini Review
The Zebrafish Model to Study the Role of microRNAs in Glomerular Function and Disease
Author(s): Janina Müller-Deile and Mario SchifferJanina Müller-Deile and Mario Schiffer
microRNAs (miRs) are non-coding small RNAs that play an important role in posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression. Recent studies indicate that miRs are also mediators in different disease processes. Here we review how the zebrafish model can be used to study the role of miRs in glomerular function and disease. Microinjections of miR mimics were done in zebrafish eggs and larvae. A transgenic zebrafish line which expresses a green fluorescent plasma protein was used to investigate protein loss though the glomerular filtration barrier. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the level and degree of glomerular damage after miR overexpression. MiR- 143-3p seems to be important for glomerular glycocalyx as overexpression of miR-143-3p leads to down regulation of versican, proteinuria and damage on the endothelial and epithelial side of the glomerular filtration barrier. In contras.. View More»
