Small RNA Sequencing Analysis of STZ-Injured Pancreas Reveals Novel MicroRNA and Transfer RNA-Derived RNA with Biomarker Potential for Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) play critical roles in the regulation of different biological processes, but their underlying mechanisms in diabetes mellitus (DM) are still largely unknown. This study aimed to gain a better understanding of the functions of miRNAs and tsRNAs in the pathogenesis of DM. A high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozocin (STZ)-induced DM rat model was established. Pancreatic tissues were obtained for subsequent studies. The miRNA and tsRNA expression profiles in the DM and control groups were obtained by RNA sequencing and validated with quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR). Subsequently, bioinformatics methods were used to predict target genes and the biological functions of differentially expressed miRNAs and tsRNAs. We identified 17 miRNAs and 28 tsRNAs that were significantly differentiated between the DM and control group. Subsequently, target genes were predicted for these altered miRNAs and tsRNAs, including Nalcn, Lpin2 and E2f3. These target genes were significantly enriched in localization as well as intracellular and protein binding. In addition, the results of KEGG analysis showed that the target genes were significantly enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway, insulin pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway. This study revealed the expression profiles of miRNAs and tsRNAs in the pancreas of a DM rat model using small RNA-Seq and predicted the target genes and associated pathways using bioinformatics analysis. Our findings provide a novel aspect in understanding the mechanisms of DM and identify potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of DM.