Development of diabetes has been linked to microRNAs in the pancreas
Large-scale genetic analysis has identified a set of small RNA molecules associated with type 2 diabetes.Geneticists at the National Human Genome Research Institute in the United States have identified a set of microRNAs in human pancreatic islet cells closely linked to the development of type 2 diabetes. The discovery will help in the early detection and treatment of the disease.
In previous studies, scientists used animal models to show that microRNA molecules influence pancreatic islet function and the development of type 2 diabetes. The new work is the largest genetic analysis of microRNA expression in human pancreatic islets.
The researchers found genomic variants of microRNAs in a region that is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A total of 14 types of molecules associated with the disease were identified. The scientists also identified genetic effects that control microRNA expression in pancreatic islets.
MicroRNAs are small, single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules that help regulate the type and amount of protein produced by cells. They control gene expression by binding to informational or matrix RNA (mRNA), or by tagging mRNA for degradation or downstream translation.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by high blood glucose levels, which can lead to long-term organ damage. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either does not produce enough insulin or a person develops insulin resistance.
Pancreatic islets, or Langerhans islets, are areas of the pancreas that contain hormone-producing cells. Of the five types of islet cells present in the pancreas, most are beta cells. It is these cells that are responsible for the production of insulin.
As the authors of the study note, future work will help obtain accurate microRNA biomarkers for early detection and treatment of diabetes.