Urinary exosome-derived microRNAs in companion animals:application for kidney injury markers

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15H05634
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Veterinary medical science
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: Osamu Ichii 北海道大学, 獣医学研究院, 准教授 (60547769)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 腎臓 / エクソソーム / microRNA / バイオマーカー / Liquid Biopsy / 汎動物学 / 尿 / イヌ・ネコ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The patients with kidney disease are increasing in both companion animals and human. Early diagnosis is a crucial therapeutic strategy for non-regenerative kidney. In this study, we tried to find the biomarker candidates from urinary exosome-derived microRNA to develop the non-invasive “Liquid Biopsy”. In the comprehensive expression analysis and pathological analysis of animals, we identified miR-26a as a candidate for renal glomerular injury marker. Further, several animal species commonly expressed miR-26a in their glomeruli, indicating a possibility of animal species-crossing biomarker. Further, for the application of miRNA to clinical area, we need to clarify further miRNA marker candidates, their correlations with renal function, their dynamics at early disease stage, and their pathological relations with tubulointerstitial lesions.

Free Research Field

獣医学、腎泌尿器学、分子形態学