Application of microRNAs in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules negatively regulating gene expression by diminishing their target mRNAs. Emerging studies have shown that miRNAs play diverse roles in diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and T2D are two major types of diabetes. T1D is characterized by a reduction in insulin release from the pancreatic b-cells, while T2D is caused by islet b-cell dysfunction in response to insulin resistance. This review describes the miRNAs that control insulin release and production by regulating cellular membrane electrical excitability (ATP:ADP ratio), insulin granule exocytosis, insulin synthesis in b-cells, and b-cell fate and islet mass formation. This review also examines miRNAs involved the insulin resistance of liver, fat, and skeletal muscle, which change insulin sensitivity pathways (insulin receptors, glucose transporter type 4, and protein kinase B pathways). This review discusses the potential application of miRNAs in diabetes, including the use of gene therapy and therapeutic compounds to recover miRNA function in diabetes, as well as the role of miRNAs as potential biomarkers for T1D and T2D.

Identification of aberrant circulating miRNAs in Parkinson's disease plasma samples

“…As such, circulating nucleic acids are highly stable in plasma and serum (Chen, Calin, & Meng, 2014; Korabecna, Pazourkova, Horinek, Rocinova, & Tesar, 2013). Although our understanding of the mechanism regulating the selective secretion of circulating RNAs remains unclear, circulating RNAs have been demonstrated to have potential roles in diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases (Chen, Lan, Roukos, & Cho, 2014; Cho, 2011; Korabecna et al., 2013; Turchinovich & Cho, 2014; Turchinovich, Tonevitsky, Cho, & Burwinkel, 2015). In addition, intake of circulating miRNAs by recipient cells has been demonstrated having function (Kosaka, Yoshioka, Hagiwara, Tominaga, & Ochiya, 2013).…”

MicroRNAs in Disease

“…It is mainly characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and can be found in two forms depending on insulin availability or usage; pancreatic β-cells fail to produce insulin in Type 1 (T1D) patients, while Type 2 (T2D) patients are insulin resistant [ 93 ]. The role of miRNAs in diabetes starts with the control over pancreatic islet β-cell proliferation and function.…”

Circulating MicroRNAs as Potential Biomarkers of Exercise Response

“…Similar to other regulatory molecules, the expression of miRNAs frequently changes due to a disease. Most of the miRNAs identified to date have been associated with cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammation, and neurological disorders [13,14,15,16,17]. Important roles of miRNAs have emerged in the control of metabolic pathways involved in lipid and glucose metabolism [18], energy homeostasis and nutrition [19].…”