MicroRNA expression profiling of human islets from individuals with and without type 2 diabetes: promises and pitfalls

Biochem Soc Trans. 2012 Aug;40(4):800-3. doi: 10.1042/BST20120049.

Abstract

Recent studies in mouse, involving the β-cell-specific deletion of Dicer1, have highlighted the crucial role of miRNAs (microRNAs) in regulating insulin secretion and consequently Type 2 diabetes. Identifying the individual miRNAs involved in human islet dysfunction may be of diagnostic and therapeutic interest. miRNA expression profiling of human islets isolated from donors with and without Type 2 diabetes may represent one of the first steps in the discovery of these specific miRNAs. The present review discusses some of the potential pitfalls and promises of such an approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism
  • Islets of Langerhans / metabolism*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs