Application of microRNAs in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small molecules negatively regulating gene expression by diminishing their target messenger RNAs. Emerging studies have shown that miRNAs play diverse roles in diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are two major types of diabetes. T1D is characterized by the reduction of insulin release in pancreatic beta-cells while T2D is caused by islet beta-cell dysfunction in response to insulin resistance. The present study reviewed the miRNAs that controlled insulin release and production by regulating cellular membrane electrical excitability (ATP/ADP ratio), insulin granule exocytosis, insulin synthesis in beta-cell, and beta-cell fate and islet mass formation. We also reviewed miRNAs involved the insulin resistance of liver, fat and skeletal muscle, which changed insulin sensitivity pathways (insulin receptors, glucose transporter type 4, and protein kinase B pathways). This study discussed the potential application of miRNAs in diabetes, such as 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.