MicroRNA Regulation of Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Diabetes
Summary
MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNA molecules that fine-tune gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs and directing their degradation or translational repression. In pancreatic β-cells, a specialised endocrine cell type responsible for insulin production, microRNAs orchestrate key processes such as insulin granule biogenesis, exocytosis and adaptive proliferation. Alterations in microRNA abundance or sequence variants can disrupt glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and β-cell survival, contributing to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. Defects in microRNA networks may arise from genetic variants, inflammatory cytokines or metabolic stress, leading to impaired β-cell mass and function. Conversely, targeted modulation of specific microRNAs holds promise for restoring insulin secretory capacity and protecting β cells from apoptosis. Integrating microRNA profiling with functional assays and therapeutic delivery strategies paves the way for novel biomarker development and RNA-based interventions in diabetes management.
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MicroRNA Regulation of Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Diabetes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna regulation of pancreatic β-cell function in diabetes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
MicroRNA (miRNA): A short noncoding RNA molecule (~22 nucleotides) that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally.
IsomiR: A sequence variant of a microRNA created by alternative cleavage or nucleotide modifications, with distinct regulatory potential.
Expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL): A genomic region where genetic variation influences the expression level of a gene or microRNA.
Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS): The process by which β cells release insulin in response to elevated extracellular glucose.
References
- Comprehensive sequencing profile and functional analysis of IsomiRs in human pancreatic islets and beta cells. Diabetologia (2025).
- Human pancreatic islet microRNAs implicated in diabetes and related traits by large-scale genetic analysis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2023).
- Effects of Phytochemicals on Type 2 Diabetes via MicroRNAs. Current Nutrition Reports (2024).
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