The Role of miR-802 in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights

Abstract

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Despite its rising incidence, awareness and early detection of renal complications remain limited. Current research in DKD aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and to develop effective therapies that go beyond controlling risk factors, as few options are available to halt or reverse kidney inflammation and fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), key regulators of gene expression, have emerged as promising candidates for both diagnosis and treatment in DKD. Among them, miR-802 has gained attention due to its role in modulating inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic pathways. Elevated levels of miR-802 correlate with renal inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic and obese models, highlighting its potential as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target. This review focuses on the emerging evidence supporting the involvement of miR-802 in the pathogenesis of DKD and its potential role as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. In addition, considering that miR-802 has also been implicated in other diseases, such as cancer, where it may act either as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, these contrasting effects will also be discussed as part of the broader context to better understand the multifaceted biological roles of miR-802. This review emphasizes the need for further research to clarify the molecular mechanisms of miR-802 and to assess its potential for clinical translation in DKD. © 2025 by the authors.