New pancreas from old: microregulators of pancreas regeneration

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2007 Dec;18(10):393-400. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2007.10.001.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-22 nucleotide RNA molecules that mediate post-transcriptional gene silencing, primarily by binding to the 3' untranslated region of their target mRNA. Several studies have demonstrated the role of miRNAs in mouse pancreas development (miR-124a, miR-503, miR-541, miR-214) as well as in insulin secretion (miR-375, miR-9). Pancreatic transcription factors that are temporally expressed during early pancreas development are re-expressed during pancreas regeneration following pancreatectomy in mice. The only exception to this is Neurogenin3 (NGN3). Here, we discuss recent evidence for miRNA-mediated silencing of ngn3, which inhibits endocrine cell development via the classical 'stem cell pathway' during mouse pancreatic regeneration, thereby favoring beta-cell regeneration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Gene Silencing
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / physiology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / physiology
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Pancreas / physiology*
  • Regeneration*
  • Transcription Factors / physiology

Substances

  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Neurog3 protein, mouse
  • Transcription Factors