MiRNA-145 is involved in the development of resistin-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells

Fengyun Wen1, Yi Yang2, Dan Jin2

  • 1Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, Henan, PR China.

Abstract

Insights

Resistin triggers microRNA-145 (miR-145) upregulation, promoting insulin resistance by inhibiting glucose uptake and key signaling proteins. This occurs through the p65 pathway, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Metabolic Research

Background:

  • Resistin is linked to insulin resistance, necessitating research into its mechanisms for novel treatment development.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression, but their role in resistin-induced insulin resistance is not well understood.
  • This study investigated the impact of resistin on miRNA expression in mouse liver tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze miRNA expression differences in resistin-treated versus control mice.
  • To determine if miR-145 plays a role in resistin-induced insulin resistance.
  • To elucidate the molecular pathway involved in resistin's effect on miR-145.

Main Methods:

  • Mouse liver miRNA microarrays were used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.
  • HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-145 mimics and inhibitors to assess functional effects.
  • Transcriptional regulation and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed to identify the regulatory pathway.

Main Results:

  • Resistin upregulated miR-145 expression both in vivo and in vitro.
  • Overexpression of miR-145 in HepG2 cells inhibited glucose uptake and diminished Akt and IRS-1 phosphorylation, inducing insulin resistance.
  • The p65 pathway was identified as essential for resistin-induced miR-145 upregulation, with p65 binding to the miR-145 promoter region.

Conclusions:

  • miR-145 is a key mediator in the development of resistin-induced insulin resistance.
  • The p65 pathway is crucial for resistin's regulation of miR-145.
  • Targeting the miR-145/p65 pathway may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for insulin resistance.

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