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Discovering diabetes complications-related microRNAs: meta-analyses and pathway modeling approach

Ruiyang Yin1, Yanjiao Zhang1, Xinyi Fang1,2

  • 1Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China.

BMC Medical Genomics
|May 14, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in diabetic complications. This review identifies differentially expressed miRNAs and their targets, highlighting their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for conditions like diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiopathy.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression and are crucial in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.
  • Diabetic complications include diabetic nephropathy (DN), diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic neuropathy (DNP), and diabetic cardiopathy (DC).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microRNA expression patterns in diabetic nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiopathy.
  • To identify potential microRNA biomarkers for diabetic complications.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
  • Literature search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.
  • Pathway enrichment analysis using miRPath (DIANA) and target gene prediction with DIANA microT-CDS and TargetScan.

Main Results:

  • 71 studies were selected, revealing 79 differentially expressed miRNAs across diabetic complications.
  • miRNA126 and miRNA192 were among the frequently reported miRNAs.
  • 156 target genes and 103 KEGG pathways were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulated miRNAs show potential as circulating biomarkers for diabetic complications.
  • Further research and longitudinal studies are warranted to validate miRNAs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
  • This review provides evidence for the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications.
Keywords:
Diabetes complicationsMeta-analysesMicroRNAPathway modelling

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