Effects of exosomal miRNAs on pancreatic beta cell function and/or proliferation

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18H02859
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 54040:Metabolism and endocrinology-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Yamada TetsEuya 東京医科歯科大学, 大学院医歯学総合研究科, 教授 (90400374)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 臓器間相互作用 / マイクロRNA / エクソソーム / 白色脂肪組織 / 膵β細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Inducible adipocyte-specific insulin receptor knockout mice show β-cell proliferation and increased β-cell mass in the islets. To explore the exosomal miRNAs involved in β-cell proliferation and function, we comprehensively analyzed increased miRNAs contained in the serum exosomes of these mice. By transfecting the increased miRNAs into pancreatic islet cells, we identified a miRNA that increases gene expression of insulin and transcription factors involved in β-cell function. The expression of the primary form of this miRNA was upregulated in the adipose tissues. These results suggested that organ crosstalk between adipose tissues and islets via the exosomal miRNA affect the function of pancreatic β-cells.

Free Research Field

代謝学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

液性因子や神経に加えて、エクソソームを介したmiRNAの送達による臓器連関が膵β細胞の機能に影響を及ぼす可能性が見出された。今後、同定したmiRNAの糖尿病に対する効果を検討することで、糖尿病に対する新たな治療の開発に繋げることが期待できる。