Extracellular Vesicle Biomarkers for Renal Diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as a new mechanism of intercellular communication in renal disease. EVs originating from the renal system can be readily detected in urine and may therefore represent a promising component of liquid biopsies for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal disease. Recent studies have also indicated that EVs may have applications as therapeutic agents and vectors for drug delivery in renal diseases. Herein, we describe the recent progress in understanding the roles of EVs in renal pathophysiology and discuss EV-based therapy in kidney disease. Importantly, we focus on advances in the methodologies used for urine EV profiling and identification of potential biomarkers of renal disease in urine EVs.