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Review
. 2017 Jun;14(6):488-496.
doi: 10.1038/cmi.2017.7. Epub 2017 Mar 20.

miRNAs: novel regulators of autoimmunity-mediated pancreatic β-cell destruction in type 1 diabetes

Ying Zheng  1 , Zhen Wang  2   3 , Zhiguang Zhou  2   3
Affiliations
Review

miRNAs: novel regulators of autoimmunity-mediated pancreatic β-cell destruction in type 1 diabetes

Ying Zheng et al. Cell Mol Immunol. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a series of conserved, short, non-coding RNAs that modulate gene expression in a posttranscriptional manner. miRNAs are involved in almost every physiological and pathological process. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is the result of selective destruction of pancreatic β-cells driven by the immune system. miRNAs are also important participants in T1D pathogenesis. Herein, we review the most recent data on the potential involvement of miRNAs in T1D. Specifically, we focus on two aspects: the roles of miRNAs in maintaining immune homeostasis and regulating β-cell survival and/or functions in T1D. We also discuss circulating miRNAs as potent biomarkers for the diagnosis and prediction of T1D and investigate potential therapeutic approaches for this disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
miRNAs: new regulators of autoimmunity and pancreatic β-cell destruction in type 1 diabetes. miRNAs may regulate naïve T cell, Th cell (including Th1, Th2, Th17 and Treg cells), B cell and APC differentiation, proliferation, cell death and functions, consequently inducing the appearance of autoimmunity and causing β-cell destruction. These effects lead to the onset and development of type 1 diabetes. In addition, miRNA dysregulation may affect β-cell survival, functions and regeneration, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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