Microvesicles containing microRNA-21 secreted by proximal tubular epithelial cells are involved in renal interstitial fibrosis by activating AKT pathway

S.-B. Zheng, Y. Zheng, L.-W. Jin, Z.-H. Zhou, Z.-Y. Li

Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. 291653506@qq.com

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• Nephrology

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of microvesicles containing microRNA-21 in renal interstitial fibrosis and its possible mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The renal interstitial fibrosis model was established by unilateral ureteral obstruction, and proximal tubule epithelial cell line (NRK52E) was used for cell model. The phenotype changes of the microvesicles containing microRNA-21 secreted by tubule cells during fibrosis were detected, and possible mechanisms responsible for the process were also analyzed.

RESULTS: During the process of renal interstitial fibrosis, microRNA-21 level in the microvesicles secreted by tubule cells was increased. The microRNA-21 released from the damaged renal tubules inhibited the expression of PTEN and activated the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, thereby exacerbating the renal interstitial fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS: MicroRNA-21 secreted by injured proximal tubule epithelial cells participated in renal interstitial fibrosis by activating the PTEN/AKT signaling pathway.

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