MicroRNAs in β-Cell Biology, Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Its Complications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small 19-23 nucleotide RNA molecules that act as regulators of protein expression in eukaryotic cells by inducing the translations] arrest and degradation of messenger RNAs (1). They are potent drivers of differentiation and development (1), and their dysregulation has been linked to many diseases. Here, we present an overview of the known and proposed roles and effects of miRNAs in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (TlD and T2D), focusing on β-cell biology, insulin resistance, and diabetes complications. Specifically, we discuss miRNAs in β-cell biology, altered expression of miRNAs in adipose tissue in response to obesity, and miRNA dysfunction in organs and tissues that may be affected in later stages of the disease. Additionally, we propose a set of research directions that may yield novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for this chronic illness. [First paragraph - No abstract available]