Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025
An Adipocyte Cell Culture Model to Study the Impact of Protein and Micro-RNA Modulation on Adipocyte Function
Published on: May 4, 2021
Extracellular miRNAs as mediators of obesity-associated disease
Bruna Brasil Brandao1, Marsel Lino1, C Ronald Kahn1
1Section on Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Extracellular miRNAs are found in a variety of body fluids and mediate intercellular and interorgan communication, thus regulating gene expression and cellular metabolism. These miRNAs are secreted either in small vesicles/exosomes (sEV) or bound to proteins such as Argonaute and high-density lipoprotein. Both exosomal and protein-bound circulating miRNAs are altered in obesity. Although all tissues can contribute to changes in circulating miRNAs, adipose tissue itself is an important source of these miRNAs, especially those in sEVs. These are derived from both adipocytes and macrophages and participate in crosstalk between these cells, as well as peripheral tissues, including liver, skeletal muscle and pancreas, whose function may be impaired in obesity. Changes in levels of circulating miRNAs have also been linked to the beneficial effects induced by weight loss interventions, including diet, exercise and bariatric surgery, further indicating a role for these miRNAs as mediators of disease pathogenesis. Here, we review the role of circulating miRNAs in the pathophysiology of obesity and explore their potential use as biomarkers and in therapy of obesity-associated metabolic syndrome.
Insights
Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in body fluids are altered in obesity and play a role in metabolic dysfunction. Weight loss interventions impact these miRNAs, suggesting their therapeutic potential for obesity-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) mediate intercellular communication and regulate gene expression.
- Circulating miRNAs, found in body fluids as exosome-packaged or protein-bound forms, are altered in obesity.
- Adipose tissue is a significant source of circulating miRNAs, impacting organs like the liver, muscle, and pancreas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of circulating miRNAs in obesity pathophysiology.
- To explore the potential of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers for obesity and associated metabolic syndrome.
- To discuss the therapeutic implications of circulating miRNAs in managing obesity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on extracellular miRNAs in obesity.
- Analysis of miRNA secretion mechanisms (exosomes, protein-binding).
- Examination of miRNA alterations in obesity and response to weight loss interventions.
Main Results:
- Both exosomal and protein-bound circulating miRNAs are dysregulated in obesity.
- Adipose tissue-derived miRNAs contribute to inter-organ communication and metabolic dysfunction.
- Changes in circulating miRNAs correlate with the effectiveness of weight loss strategies.
Conclusions:
- Circulating miRNAs are implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and metabolic syndrome.
- These miRNAs hold promise as diagnostic biomarkers for obesity.
- Targeting circulating miRNAs may offer novel therapeutic avenues for obesity treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22MicroRNAs
01:22MicroRNAs
01:24Obesity
01:19Regulation of Metabolism