In addition, miR-451 treatment increased expression of autophagy-related proteins ATG101 and Beclin-1 and reduced the LC3-II/I ratio, indicating altered autophagic signaling.<h4>Conclusions</h4>miR-451 overexpression attenuates renal fibrosis and modulates autophagy-associated pathways in diabetic kidney disease, independent of metabolic control, highlighting miR-451 as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic kidney disease. The gene discussed is BECN1; the disease is diabetic kidney disease.