The small RNA miR-375– a pancreatic islet abundant miRNA with multiple roles in endocrine beta cell function

Publication date: Available online 27 February 2017
Source:Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Author(s): Lena Eliasson
The pathophysiology of diabetes is complex and recent research put focus on the pancreatic islets of Langerhans and the insulin-secreting beta cells as central in the development of the disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), the small non-coding RNAs regulating post-transcriptional gene expression, are significant regulators of beta cell function. One of the most abundant miRNAs in the islets is miR-375. This review focus on the role of miR-375 in beta cell function, including effects in development and differentiation, proliferation and regulation of insulin secretion. It also discusses the regulation of miR-375 expression, miR-375 as a potential circulating biomarker in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and the need for the beta cell to keep expression of miR-375 within optimal levels. The summed picture of miR-375 is a miRNA with multiple functions with importance in the formation of beta cell identity, control of beta cell mass and regulation of insulin secretion.



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