Chapter 14 - Emerging role of mRNA and RNA binding proteins in Diabetes

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a debilitating clinical issue characterized by destruction of islets of Langerhans (Type I DM) and less production of insulin from β-cells (Type II). In both cases, defects in insulin production cause hyperglycemia, which leads to metaflammation, changes in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and oxidative and mitochondrial stress. Prolonged hyperglycemia is a robust reason for systemic complications including nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, vascular disease, and heart attack. Recent progress in RNA-based technology highlighted modulation in RNA-regulatory networks mediated by RNA binding proteins (RBPs) during DM. Therefore, RBPs and RNA posttranslational modifications are primed to be the next frontier that plays a critical role in the development of DM and related complications. On the other hand, dissection of the role of RBPs during DM is beneficial not only to understand pathogenesis but also to develop RNA-based therapeutic strategies to ameliorate diabetic complications.