A new large-scale genetic analysis reveals a series of small RNA molecules called microRNAs within human pancreatic islet cells that are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This important finding will guide future research into early detection and treatment of diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that can lead to long-term organ damage. The International Diabetes Federation reports that about 537 million adults worldwide, or 1 in 10 of them, will have diabetes in 2021.
Unlike type 1 diabetes (an autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks pancreatic cells and produces little or no insulin), type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas either produces insufficient insulin or develops insulin resistance. occurs in T2D is the most common form of the disease, affecting 90% of all diabetics.
Pancreatic islets, or islets of Langerhans, are regions 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.
It has long been known that pancreatic islets in patients with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin to effectively control blood glucose, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this condition are poorly understood. bottom.
Previous studies have used plants and animals to investigate how microRNAs contribute to islet function. However, the study, led in part by scientists at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), represents the largest analysis of microRNA expression in human islets to date.
MicroRNAs are small, single-stranded, noncoding RNA molecules that help regulate the types and amounts of proteins produced by cells. They regulate gene expression by binding to messenger RNAs (mRNAs), destroying them or marking them for subsequent translation. This process is called RNA interference (RNAi) and is an effective tool for manipulating gene expression.
“The results of this study lay the groundwork for understanding how microRNAs fine-tune gene expression in pancreatic islets and their impact on diabetes,” said Francis Collins, M.D., Ph.D., senior author of the study. said.
Researchers have found genomic variants in regions known to be associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The insights gained from this study could be used by future researchers to better understand how her T2D develops and how best to detect and treat the condition. increase.
“Based on this study, building on our previous work, we hope that one day we will be able to identify precise microRNA biomarkers for the early detection and treatment of diabetes, improving patient outcomes in the future.” I hope so,” said lead author Henry Taylor, PhD. of research.
A new study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Source: National Institutes of Health
