Role of microRNA 21 in diabetes and associated/related diseases

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global metabolic disorder epidemic with no current cure.
• Existing DM treatments lack curative potential, necessitating deeper understanding of disease pathophysiology.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of molecular signaling pathways implicated in diabetic pathogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent investigations on the role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in different types of diabetes mellitus.
• To highlight the importance of miR-21 in cellular processes relevant to DM.
• To provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

• Mini-review of up-to-date scientific reports and literature.
• Focus on studies investigating microRNA-21 expression and function in diabetes.
• Analysis of miR-21's involvement in cell proliferation and apoptosis in the context of DM.

Main Results:

• MicroRNA-21 is frequently upregulated across various disease states, including diabetes.
• miR-21 is implicated in regulating key cellular processes such as proliferation and apoptosis.
• Emerging evidence suggests a significant role for miR-21 in the pathogenesis of different types of DM.

Conclusions:

• MicroRNA-21 is a critical regulator in the molecular landscape of diabetes mellitus.
• Further research into miR-21's function may offer new therapeutic targets for DM.
• Understanding miR-21's role is essential for advancing diabetic pathophysiology insights.