Emerging Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Diabetic Vascular Complications

Abstract

Chronic metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes are associated with accelerated rates of macrovascular and microvascular complications, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Further understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms can aid in the development of novel drug targets and therapies to manage these disorders more effectively. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that do not have protein-coding potential are expressed in a tissue- and species-specific manner and regulate diverse biological processes. LncRNAs regulate gene expression in cis or in trans through various mechanisms, including interaction with chromatin-modifying proteins and other regulatory proteins and via posttranscriptional mechanisms, including acting as microRNA sponges or as host genes of microRNAs. Emerging evidence suggests that major pathological factors associated with diabetes such as high glucose, free fatty acids, proinflammatory cytokines, and growth factors can dysregulate lncRNAs in inflammatory, cardiac, vascular, and renal cells leading to altered expression of key inflammatory genes and fibrotic genes associated with diabetic vascular complications. Here we review recent reports on lncRNA characterization, functions, and mechanisms of action in diabetic vascular complications and translational approaches to target them. These advances can provide new insights into the lncRNA-dependent actions and mechanisms underlying diabetic vascular complications and uncover novel lncRNA-based biomarkers and therapies to reduce disease burden and mortality.

Angiotensin II-Induced Long Non-Coding RNA Alivec Regulates Chondrogenesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

“…We identified the first lncRNAs regulated by AngII in rat VSMCs (RVSMCs) using integrated analysis of RNA-seq data with ChIP-seq datasets from histone H3K4me3 and H3K36me3 profiling [18]. Since then, several VSMC lncRNAs such as SENCR, MYOSLID and SMILR were described and found to play key roles in CVDs [19][20][21]. Another abundant nuclear lncRNA, NEAT1, was reported to be involved in VSMC phenotypic switching [22].…”

Identification and validation of long non-coding RNA associated ceRNAs in intrauterine adhesion

“…LncRNAs were involved in various biological functions of fibrotic diseases [ 18–21 ]. This study identified 249 up-regulated and 169 down-regulated DELs.…”

Long Noncoding RNA GUSBP3 And SAM4 Function As Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Kazak Populations In The Xinjiang Region of China

“…For example, a high-fat diet, obesity, an aging population, and chronic levels of inactivity are all factors that contribute to the acceleration of the prevalence of diabetes in China. In recent years, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that lncRNAs play a key role in gene regulation and cellular function as well as the development of diabetes and its complications [15]. In 2012, Djebali et al >1,100 lncRNAs expressed specifically in human pancreatic islets and purified β-cells, providing the first evidence that lncRNAs are associated with diabetes [16].…”