Title:Novel Biomarkers for Lupus Nephritis in the “OMICS” Era
Volume: 28
Issue: 29
Author(s): Raphael Dias, Ursula Gramiscelli Hasparyk, Monisi Peres Lopes, João Luiz Vieira Monteiro de Barros and Ana Cristina Simões e Silva*
Affiliation:
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG,Brazil
Keywords:
Biomarkers, lupus nephritis, monitoring, diagnosis, therapeutic targets, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics,
metabolomics.
Abstract: Lupus nephritis (LN) is severe renal comorbidity associated with systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE), a complex autoimmune disorder with high morbidity and mortality.
Diagnosis and monitoring of LN patients still rely on renal biopsy, a procedure
that exposes patients to a variety of risks and is not capable of providing longitudinally information
about disease prognosis. In this review, we summarized current data of recent
promising biomarkers developed in the precision medicine era, particularly under genomic,
transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic techniques. Genome-wide association
studies have been evaluating the role of endogenous elements beyond the autoimmunity
in LN. Transcriptomic methods, including single-cell sequencing, are potential tools in
identifying inflammatory signatures, miRNAs, and gene expression. Proteomic measures,
including anti-C1q antibodies, cytokines, TLRs, VCAM-1, NGAL osteopontin, angiostatin,
have been considered helpful to provide a more profound comprehension of the
disease pathogenic processes. Metabolomic approaches may identify several abnormal
metabolite profiles related to the impairment of cellular functions. Together, these accurate,
non-invasive, and moderate-cost propedeutic resources may be the novel tools for
recognizing, distinguishing, and predicting LN progression and prognosis. Furthermore,
omics evaluation may also predict responsiveness to treatment and, consequently, change
the way we manage LN cases in the near future.
