Global miRNA expression profiles uncover serum miRNAs as novel biomarkers for diabetes staging in NOD mice (P3267)

Abstract

Abstract Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune diseases resulting from T cell-mediated pancreatic beta cell destruction. New biomarkers are urgently needed for earlier T1D risk prediction and progression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate beta cell and immune cell development and function, and are involved in T1D development. Recently, it has been discovered that serum contains large amounts of stable miRNAs derived from immune cells and other tissues/cells, and that serum miRNAs might serve as biomarkers for disease prediction and progression. Yet little is known about serum miRNAs in T1D. We hypothesize that serum miRNAs could be a novel class of blood-based biomarker for diabetes staging. Serum RNAs were isolated from nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice at different stages (3-4, 7-8, 16-19 weeks, and newly diagnosed diabetes) during diabetes development. Serum miRNA expression profiles were performed by real-time RT-PCR MicroRNA Arrays. Twenty-three miRNAs appeared to have specific expression patterns during diabetes development. Single qRT-PCR further confirmed that serum miR-150, miR-146b, and miR-215 are significantly upregulated starting at the stage of insulitis, destructive insulitis and diabetes, respectively. Our data highly suggest that serum miRNAs are potential novel biomarkers for diabetes prediction and staging, and that miR-150, miR-146b and miR-215 could be used as serum biomarkers for diabetes staging or therapy response in the NOD mouse.