Year: 2017
Type: review
Abstract: Pancreatic β-cells regulate glucose metabolism by secreting insulin, which in turn stimulates the utilization or storage of the sugar by peripheral tissues. Insulin insufficiency and a prolonged period of insulin resistance are usually the core components of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although, decreased insulin levels in T2D have long been attributed to a decrease in β-cell function and/or mass, this model has recently been refined with the recognition that a loss of β-cell "identity" and dedifferentiation also contribute to the decline in insulin production. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory molecules that display tissue-specific expression patterns and maintain the differentiated state of somatic cells. During the past few years, great strides have been made in understanding how miRNA circuits impact β-cell identity. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in regulating the acquisition of the β-cell fate during development and in maintaining mature β-cell identity and function during stress situations such as obesity, pregnancy, aging, or diabetes. We also discuss how miRNA function could be harnessed to improve our ability to generate β-cells for replacement therapy for T2D.
Source: Frontiers in Genetics
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Awards: G1073258374, G119964413, G1732308444, Roles of GWA genes in controlling pancreatic beta cell function and mass., G2040450235, G2257112000, G2530708091, G3207356259, Role of mitochondrial calcium transport in the regulation of insulin secretion, G3555667338, G393177772, AMPK-mediated regulation and roles of miR-125b and miR-184 in pancreatic beta-cell function., G4781795914, All-optical deconstruction of the islet wiring patterns underlying insulin secretion in health and disease, G5063899521, G5702163051, G6100787592, The impact of long non-coding RNA at the Pax6 locus on beta cell identity and function, G6133425169, G7571465722, G7727718855, G8072012048, G8635620823, G8897119323, G8958320829
OpenAlex ID: W2569880402