Work

Exosomal miR-375-3p as a mediator of pancreas-liver crosstalk in impaired hepatic glycogenesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic disorder characterized by impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance, and dysregulated inter-organ communication. Beyond classical endocrine signaling, exosomes have recently emerged as critical mediators of crosstalk between pancreatic β cells and peripheral metabolic tissue. In a recent study, Xu et al demonstrated that hepatocytes can receive exosomal miR-375-3p derived from pancreatic β-cells, which suppresses the Rbpj region and consequently impairing hepatic glycogenesis. These findings provide novel mechanistic insights into how glucotoxic β cells influence hepatic glucose metabolism independently of insulin secretion. Notably, this study highlights exosomal miR-375-3p as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for metabolic diseases. However, clinical validation in human cohorts and assessment of long-term metabolic outcomes are still required. A deeper understanding of exosome-mediated communication between the pancreas and liver may ultimately pave the way for new strategies to restore metabolic homeostasis and mitigate disease-related complications.

Source: World Journal of Diabetes

DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v17.i1.114251

Authors: Tian-Han Xu, Dong-Mei Wang

Institutions: Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Extracellular vesicles in disease

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Sichuan University, West China Hospital, Sichuan University