Shaping and preserving β-cell identity with microRNAs.
The highly sophisticated identity of pancreatic β-cells is geared to accomplish its unique feat of providing insulin for organismal glucose and lipid homeostasis. This requires a particular and streamlined fuel metabolism which defines mature β-cells as glucose sensors linked to an insulin exocytosis machinery. The establishment of an appropriate β-cell mass and function during development as well as the maintenance of their identity throughout life are necessary for energy homeostasis. The small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), are now well-recognized regulators of gene transcripts, which in general are negatively affected by them. Convincing evidence exists to view miRNAs as major actors in β-cell development and function, suggesting an important role for them in the distinctive β-cell 'identity card'. Here, we summarize key features that associate miRNAs and the establishment of the appropriate β-cell identity and its necessary maintenance during their 'long life'.
University Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, France.
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Dumortier
University Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, France.
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G
Fabris
University Côte d'Azur, CHU, Inserm, CNRS, IRCAN, France. vanobbeg@unice.fr.
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E
Van Obberghen
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics*; D005089:Exocytosis; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism; D000078790:Insulin Secretion; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000235:genetics*
D007328:Insulin; D035683:MicroRNAs; D005947:Glucose
insulin secretion; microRNAs; type 2 diabetes; β-cell development; β-cell identity