Development of next-generation biomarkers for chronic kidney disease: MicroRNAs in the urine of companion animals

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24688033
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Clinical veterinary science
• Research Institution: Hokkaido University
• Principal Investigator: ICHII Osamu 北海道大学, (連合)獣医学研究科, 准教授 (60547769)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 腎臓 / microRNA / バイオマーカー / 尿 / 慢性腎臓病 / モデルマウス / イヌ・ネコ / 糸球体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Recently, the numbers of human and animal patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been increasing. It is crucial to diagnose and start treatment as an early therapeutic strategy for CKD. In this study, several animals were analyzed in order to use microRNAs as an early diagnostic tool for CKD. Specific microRNAs that indicated the progression of CKD were detected in the urine. These microRNAs were expressed in the kidneys of mice, as well as in those of dogs, cats, and humans, and could be used as an early diagnostic tool (biomarkers) for CKD.

Free Research Field

獣医腎泌尿器学、分子形態学、分子生物学