title: MiRNAs in β-Cell Development, Identity, and Disease.
abstract: Pancreatic β-cells regulate glucose metabolism by secreting insulin, which in turn stimulates the utilization or storage of the sugar by peripheral tissues. Insulin insufficiency and a prolonged period of insulin resistance are usually the core components of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although, decreased insulin levels in T2D have long been attributed to a decrease in β-cell function and/or mass, this model has recently been refined with the recognition that a loss of β-cell "identity" and dedifferentiation also contribute to the decline in insulin production. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory molecules that display tissue-specific expression patterns and maintain the differentiated state of somatic cells. During the past few years, great strides have been made in understanding how miRNA circuits impact β-cell identity. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of miRNAs in regulating the acquisition of the β-cell fate during development and in maintaining mature β-cell identity and function during stress situations such as obesity, pregnancy, aging, or diabetes. We also discuss how miRNA function could be harnessed to improve our ability to generate β-cells for replacement therapy for T2D.
authors.affiliation: Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London London, UK.
authors.forename: Aida
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martinez-Sanchez
authors.affiliation: Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London London, UK.
authors.forename: Guy A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Rutter
authors.affiliation: Cellular Identity and Metabolism Group, MRC London Institute of Medical SciencesLondon, UK; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College LondonLondon, UK.
authors.forename: Mathieu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Latreille
keywords: cellular identity; diabetes; gene expression; insulin; microRNAs; pancreatic β-cells