microRNA ‐96 protects pancreatic β‐cell function by targeting PAK1 in gestational diabetes mellitus

In this study, we investigated the role of miRNA in GDM by analyzing miRNA expression profiling in placenta tissues from healthy or GDM pregnancies. We found that miR‐96 was the most down‐regulated miRNA in GDM samples. Furthermore, miRNA target gene p rediction revealed that p21‐activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is a potential target of miR‐96. Functional assays showed that miR‐96 enhanced β‐cell function, whereas PAK1 inhibited β‐cell function and cell viability. Our findings demonstrate that miR‐96 plays a critical role in GDM development by regulating PAK1 expression, insulin secretion, and β‐cell function. © 2018 BioFactors, 2018
Source: BioFactors - Category: Biochemistry Authors: Tags: Research Communication Source Type: research