MicroRNA expression in alpha and beta cells of human pancreatic islets.

ABSTRACT: microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in pancreatic development and adult ?-cell physiology. Our hypothesis is based on the assumption that each islet cell type has a specific pattern of miRNA expression. We sought to determine the profile of miRNA expression in ?-and ?-cells, the main components of pancreatic islets, because this analysis may lead to a better understanding of islet gene regulatory pathways. Highly enriched (>98%) subsets of human ?-and ?-cells were obtained by flow cytometric sorting after intracellular staining with c-peptide and glucagon antibody. The method of sorting based on intracellular staining is possible because miRNAs are stable after fixation. MiRNA expression levels were determined by quantitative high throughput PCR-based miRNA array platform screening. Most of the miRNAs were preferentially expressed in ?-cells. From the total of 667 miRNAs screened, the Significant Analysis of Microarray identified 141 miRNAs, of which only 7 were expressed more in ?-cells (?-miRNAs) and 134 were expressed more in ?-cells (?-miRNAs). Bioinformatic analysis identified potential targets of ?-miRNAs analyzing the Beta Cell Gene Atlas, described in the T1Dbase, the web platform, supporting the type 1 diabetes (T1D) community. cMaf, a transcription factor regulating glucagon expression expressed selectively in ?-cells (TF?) is targeted by ?-miRNAs; miR-200c, miR-125b and miR-182. Min6 cells treated with inhibitors of these miRNAs show an increased expression of cMaf RNA. Conversely, over expression of miR-200c, miR-125b or miR-182 in the mouse alpha cell line ?TC6 decreases the level of cMAF mRNA and protein. MiR-200c also inhibits the expression of Zfpm2, a TF? that inhibits the PI3K signaling pathway, at both RNA and protein levels.In conclusion, we identified miRNAs differentially expressed in pancreatic ?- and ?-cells and their potential transcription factor targets that could add new insights into different aspects of islet biology and pathophysiology.

SUBMITTER: Klein D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3558471 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature