Regulatory mechanisms of microRNAs in endocrine disorders and their therapeutic potential

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous non-coding RNA molecules capable of regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level either by translational inhibition or mRNA degradation and have recently been importantly related to the diagnosis and prognosis of the most relevant endocrine disorders. The endocrine system comprises various highly vascularized ductless organs regulating metabolism, growth and development, and sexual function. Endocrine disorders constitute the fifth principal cause of death worldwide, and they are considered a significant public health problem due to their long-term effects and negative impact on the patient's quality of life. Over the last few years, miRNAs have been discovered to regulate various biological processes associated with endocrine disorders, which could be advantageous in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. The present review aims to provide an overview of the most recent and significant information regarding the regulatory mechanism of miRNAs during the development of the most relevant endocrine disorders, including diabetes mellitus, thyroid diseases, osteoporosis, pituitary tumors, Cushing's syndrome, adrenal insufficiency and multiple endocrine neoplasia, and their potential implications as disease biomarkers.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; endocrine disorders; miRNAs; osteoporosis; pituitary tumors; thyroid diseases.

FIGURE 1

miRNAs expression profiles observed in diabetes mellitus type I, type II, and unspecified, and the biological mechanisms involved.

FIGURE 2

Dysregulation of miRNA expression profiles in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Grave’s disease, and the biological mechanism involved.

FIGURE 3

miRNAs expressions profile involved in osteoblast, osteoclast, and osteogenic differentiation, and apoptosis that disrupts bone homeostasis, ultimately leading to osteoporosis.

FIGURE 4

Oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs expression profile involved in pituitary tumors, ultimately affecting cabergoline resistance, proliferation, metastasis, apoptosis, and migration.