MicroRNAs in Diabetic β Cell Dysfunction and their Role as Biomarkers

The maintenance of pancreatic β-cells normal functioning is crucial for insulin production and glucose homeostasis. Inadequate insulin secretion due to β-cell dysfunction can lead to different types of diabetes mellitus. Though it is widely recognized that both environmental and genetic factors play important roles, the exact molecular mechanism that leads to β -cell failure is still unclear. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes at the epigenetic level. miRNAs have been reported to participate in the process of pancreatic development and insulin biosynthesis. Some miRNAs may control insulin secretion and exocytosis through regulating ATP/ADP ratio. In this review, we will summarize the pathological roles of miRNAs in β-cell dysfunction and briefly discuss miRNAs as possible biomarkers and potential pharmaceutical target for diabetes mellitus.