Abstract: In recent years, microRNAs were shown to be one of the key factors in post transcriptional gene regulation which are involved in occurrence, development of many diseases. In the field of kidney disease research, the role of microRNAs attracted more and more attention. Diabetic nephropathy is one of the major causes of end-stage renal disease, whose pathogenesis however has not been fully elucidated yet. This article reviews the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.

Key words: microRNAs, diabetic nephropathies, podocytes, stress, oxidative stress, autophagy, review