Role of microRNAs in diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. Multiple and complex factors including various genetic and physiological changes can lead to type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, the major mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of diabetes remain obscure. With the recent discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs), these small ribonucleotides have been implicated as new players in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetes-associated complications. MiRNAs have been shown to regulate insulin production, insulin secretion, and insulin action. This review summarizes the recent progress in the cutting-edge research of miRNAs involved in diabetes and diabetes related complications. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.