MicroRNAs and metabolism crosstalk in energy homeostasis

Abstract

In record time, microRNAs (miRNAs) have acquired the respected stature of important natural regulators of global gene expression. Multiple studies have demonstrated that a large number of miRNAs are under the control of various metabolic stimuli, including nutrients, hormones, and cytokines. Conversely, it is now well recognized that miRNAs control metabolism, thereby generating a bidirectional functional link, which perturbs energy homeostasis in case of disconnection in the miRNA-metabolism interplay. A challenging road lies ahead for defining the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diseases such as diabetes and for establishing their usefulness as new medications and clinically reliable biomarkers.