The lncRNA MALAT1 is upregulated in urine of type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic kidney disease

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs with >200 nucleotides that are unable to encode proteins and are involved in gene expression regulation. LncRNAs have a key role in many physiological and pathological processes and, consequently, they have been associated with several human diseases, including diabetes chronic complications, such as diabetes kidney disease (DKD). In this context, some studies have identified the dysregulation of the lncRNAs MALAT1 and TUG1 in patients with DKD; nevertheless, available data are still contradictory. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare MALAT1 and TUG1 expressions in urine of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) categorized according to DKD presence. This study comprised 18 T1DM patients with DKD (cases) and 9 long-duration T1DM patients without DKD (controls). MALAT1 and TUG1 were analyzed using qPCR. Bioinformatics analyses were done to identify both lncRNA target genes and the signaling pathways under their regulation. The lncRNA MALAT1 was upregulated in urine of T1DM patients with DKD vs . T1DM controls (P = 0.007). The expression of lncRNA TUG1 did not differ between groups (P = 0.815). Bioinformatics analysis showed these two lncRNAs take part in metabolism-related pathways. The present study shows that the lncRNA MALAT1 is upregulated in T1DM patients presenting DKD.

The emerging role of MALAT1 lncRNA in diabetic nephropathy: based on the review of the literature and bioinformatic analysis

“…They also reported that MALAT1 expression levels were correlated with ACR, urine β2microglobulin, urine α1-microglobulin, and creatinine (69). Recent studies have shown that the expression levels of MALAT1 are increased in the urine samples of type 1 diabetes patients with diabetic kidney disease (21).…”

“…In addition, a large number of studies have shown that cell-free ncRNAs have been dysregulated in the serum, plasma, urine, and peripheral blood samples of patients with T2D (17)(18)(19)(20). The metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), also termed nuclear enriched abundant transcript 2 (NEAT2), is one of the ncRNAs in human disease that has received the most attention from researchers, especially in diabetes and diabetic-related complications (21,22). In this study, the primary emphasis is placed on the functions that MALAT1 plays in relation to the pathophysiology of DN as well as the processes that underlie these roles.…”

Diabetes and diabetic associative diseases: An overview of epigenetic regulations of TUG1

“…Diabetes mellitus, distinguished by persistent high blood sugar due to compromised insulin function or secretion, poses a worldwide health challenge with increasing occurrence ( Chen et al, 2021 , Bhat et al, 2023a , Bhat et al, 2023b , Bhat et al, 2023c ). The complex interaction between genetic susceptibility and external elements contributes to the emergence of diabetes and its wide array of difficulties, spanning from cardiovascular ailments and kidney issues to retinal and nerve-related problems ( Dieter et al, 2023a , Dieter et al, 2023b ). Among the emerging players in this multifaceted landscape, lncRNAs have garnered significant consideration for the roles they play in regulation within gene expression, particularly the lncRNA TUG1 (taurine-upregulated gene 1), and their potential as epigenetic modulators in diabetes and diabetic associative diseases.…”

“…Among the emerging players in this multifaceted landscape, lncRNAs have garnered significant consideration for the roles they play in regulation within gene expression, particularly the lncRNA TUG1 (taurine-upregulated gene 1), and their potential as epigenetic modulators in diabetes and diabetic associative diseases. TUG1, initially recognized as a transcript increased by taurine treatment in retinal cells, has been implicated in diverse cellular processes through its involvement in epigenetic regulation ( Duan et al, 2017 , Dieter et al, 2023a , Dieter et al, 2023b ). Although initially linked to retinal development and function, subsequent studies have revealed its broader implications in various biological contexts, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and, more recently, diabetes ( Bhat et al, 2022a , Bhat et al, 2022b , Bhat et al, 2022c , Esawy et al, 2022a , Esawy et al, 2022b ).…”