Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
Prospective, Randomized, and Controlled Study of a Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection for Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Published on: March 3, 2023
Exploring microRNAs in diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers: Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Xuqiang Nie1,2,3, Jiufeng Zhao1, Hua Ling4
1Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.
Abstract:
Diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) are one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, occurring mainly in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their target genes are essential regulators of cell physiology and pathology including biological processes that are involved in the regulation of diabetes and diabetes-related microvascular complications. in vivo and in vitro models have revealed that the expression of some miRNAs can be regulated in the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and wound remodelling of DCU. Nevertheless, the potential application of miRNAs to clinical use is still limited. Here, we provide a contemporary overview of the miRNAs as well as their associated target genes and pathways (including Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related to DCU healing. We also summarize the current development of drugs for DCU treatment and discuss the therapeutic challenges of DCU treatment and its future research directions.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise in regulating diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcer (DCU) healing by influencing key cellular processes. Further research is needed to overcome current challenges and enable clinical application of these potent molecules.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) are severe diabetes mellitus complications, often linked to peripheral neuropathy.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators of cellular functions involved in diabetes and its microvascular complications.
- miRNA expression is modulated during inflammation, proliferation, and wound remodeling in DCU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of miRNAs, their target genes, and pathways implicated in diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcer healing.
- To summarize current drug development for DCU treatment.
- To discuss therapeutic challenges and future research directions for DCU.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on miRNAs, target genes, and pathways in DCU healing.
- Analysis of regulatory pathways including Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
- Summary of current therapeutic strategies and challenges in DCU treatment.
Main Results:
- miRNAs and their target genes play significant roles in regulating DCU healing processes.
- Several key signaling pathways (Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR) are involved in DCU pathogenesis and repair.
- Current clinical applications of miRNAs for DCU treatment remain limited.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs represent a promising therapeutic avenue for enhancing diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcer healing.
- Understanding miRNA-mediated pathways is crucial for developing effective DCU treatments.
- Overcoming clinical application challenges and continued research are essential for realizing the therapeutic potential of miRNAs in DCU management.
