Transforming Growth Factor-β and Long Non-coding RNA in Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis

Renal fibrosis is one of the most characterized pathological features in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Progressive fibrosis eventually leads to renal failure, leaving dialysis or allograft transplantation the only clinical option for CKD patients. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is the key mediator in renal fibrosis and is an essential regulator for renal inflammation. Therefore, the general blockade of the pro-fibrotic TGF-beta may reduce fibrosis but may risk promoting renal inflammation and other side effects due to the diverse role of TGF-beta in kidney diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts with more than 200 nucleotides and have been regarded as promising therapeutic targets for many diseases. This review focuses on the importance of TGF-beta and lncRNAs in renal inflammation, fibrogenesis, and the potential applications of TGF-beta and lncRNAs as the therapeutic targets and biomarkers in renal fibrosis and CKD are highlighted.