Role of microRNAs in compensatory b-cell mass expansion associated with pregnancy and obesity

We found that in rodents, b-cell mass expansion during pregnancy and obesity is associated with changes in the expression of a group of islet microRNAs. We were able to reproduce in isolated pancreatic islets the decrease of miR-338-3p level observed in gestation and obesity by activating the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor GPR30 and the GLP1 receptor. Blockade of miR-338-3p in b-cells using specific anti-miR molecules mimicked gene expression changes occurring during b-cell mass expansion and resulted in increased proliferation and improved survival both in vitro and in vivo. These findings point to a major role for miR-338-3p in compensatory b-cell mass expansion occurring under different insulin resistance states.

14

Jacovetti C, Abderrahmani A, Parnaud G, Jonas JC, Peyot ML, Cornu M, Laybutt R, Meugnier E, Rome S, Thorens B, Prentki M, Bosco D, Regazzi R