Potential Use of MicroRNA-488 as a Biomarker for Type 2 Diabetes

Overview

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) affects millions worldwide but has an exceptionally high prevalence in Hawaii, with a rate of 9% for all residents aged 18 or older. Of that 9%, 13.1% are Native Hawaiians, and 23.0% are other Pacific Islanders, demonstrating a high degree of health disparity in Hawaii. This study aims to amend this issue by finding a biomarker to predict the bad prognosis of T2D. Such a biomarker, coupled with traditional therapeutic strategies, could help prevent the pathogenesis of the disease. Previous limited methylation data in monocytes from Dr. Maunakea’s lab indicated that microRNA-488 (miR- 488) could be a biomarker since its promoter was hypomethylated in diabetic patients. High concentrations of miR-488 have been linked to diabetic nephropathy, one of the most serious complications of diabetes. In this project, we increased our methylation sample number in the study, performing microarray analysis on an additional 96 patient samples. Methylation analysis confirmed the change in the promoter of miRNA-488. We extended our analysis by investigating the microRNA expression in the monocytes using RT -qPCR. The results indicated that both miR-488-3p and miR-488-5p are significantly upregulated in the monocytes of T2D patients. Our data show that miR-488 is significantly upregulated in T2D patients due to changes in promoter methylation. This change caused by the disease could cause more complications, including diabetic nephropathy. Next, we intend to check the expression of the miRNA of patients at different stages of the disease to further characterize its time course.

Competition history

• JSHS 2023 Category not listed

Resources

• National JSHS abstract book ↗

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