microRNAs identification as potential targets of type 2 diabetes mellitus diagnostic and therapeutic

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the control of energy metabolism and development of chronic diseases, such as obesity, T2DM, and metabolic syndrome. The identification of miRNAs associated with T2DM development is essential to understand the syndrome etiology and direct futher therapeutic studies. This project aims to characterize the expression profile of circulating exosomal miRNAs in T2DM subjects and identify the origin of these exosomal vesicles. We will evaluate: a) healthy individuals (normal glycemia and insulin sensitivity), b) glucose intolerant and insulin resistant subjects and c) newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. The sample size will be calculated based on the initial results, considering alpha power of 0.05 and alterations of at least twice in expression of the miRNAs. The exosomal miRNAs profile will be evaluated by microarray PCR technique with quantitative validation by real time PCR. The characterization of the exosomal proteins will be established by proteomic analysis using mass spectrometry. The goal of this study will be to investigate the exossomes miRNAs to validate them as biomarkers of T2DM development. The knowledge of the origin of exosomes associated with identification of miRNA-related disease dysregulation will elucidate the involvement of insulin-sensitive organs in T2DM development and optimize the prognosis, diagnosis and therapy tissue-specific target.