Abstract: TH-PO0731
Urinary miRNA-126: A Promising Marker for Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis in Dogs
Session Information
- Glomerular Innovations: Artificial Intelligence, Multiomics, and Biomarkers
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1402 Glomerular Diseases: Clinical, Outcomes, and Therapeutics
Authors
- Kannampuzha Francis, Jasmine, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
- Lidbury, Jonathan A, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
- Chu, Candice Pei-Hua, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
- Cianciolo, Rachel, Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
- Shropshire, Sarah, Colorado State University System, Denver, Colorado, United States
- Hokamp, Jessica A., Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
- Nabity, Mary B., Texas A&M University System, College Station, Texas, United States
Background
Immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis (ICGN) is found in nearly 50% of dogs biopsied for suspicion of glomerular disease. Because immunosuppression is recommended in dogs with ICGN but not non-ICGN categories of disease, a non-invasive marker is needed for dogs that do not receive kidney biopsy. Our preliminary data found increased urinary microRNA-126 (miR-126) in dogs with ICGN. This study aimed to clinically validate urinary miR-126 as a non-invasive marker for ICGN in dogs, compared to dogs with non-ICGN categories of renal disease.
Methods
Archived urine samples from 99 adult dogs with biopsy-confirmed renal disease submitted to the International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service between 2008 and 2024 and from 9 clinically healthy dogs were used. Urinary miRNA was isolated from 1 mL of urine supernatant, and miR-126 expression was quantified using qRT-PCR, with miR-151 and miR-28 as housekeeping controls. Statistical comparisons were made using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-Kramer HSD tests; significance was set at p <0.05.
Results
Urinary miR-126 expression was significantly elevated in dogs with ICGN (n = 27) compared to healthy controls (n = 9; p = 0.01) and dogs with amyloidosis (n = 12; p = 0.01), glomerular basement membrane abnormalities (GBMopathy, n = 9; p = 0.03), glomerulosclerosis (n = 15; p = 0.01), maldevelopment (n = 15; p = 0.02), and ‘Other’ (miscellaneous categories; n = 12; p = 0.03). No difference in miR-126 expression was observed between dogs with ICGN versus podocytopathy (n = 9).
Conclusion
Urinary miR-126 is a promising non-invasive marker for the diagnosis of ICGN in dogs with renal disease. Its use could enable clinicians to initiate targeted immunosuppressive therapy with greater confidence in dogs with glomerular disease that are not candidates for kidney biopsy.
Funding
- Private Foundation Support