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. 2021 Jul 19;22(14):7716. doi: 10.3390/ijms22147716

Figure 2.

Figure 2

Examples of regulatory mechanisms in which lncRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs are involved in obesity and β cell function. A first mechanism through which beta cell function is regulated by miRNAs is the TXNIP/miR-204/MAFA regulatory axis. Indeed, TXNIP (Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein) is able to induce miR-204 expression consequently leading to MAFA suppression and finally to insulin transcription inhibition. The same miR-204 also targets and regulates the expression of GLP1R (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor) thus improving both insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Moreover, miR-204 expression is also regulated by ADNCR (Adipocyte Differentiation-Associated lncRNA) lncRNA, thus leading to SIRT-1 overexpression, finally resulting in the repression of adipocytes differentiation. As a matter of fact, adipocyte differentiation is also regulated by circCDR1 acting as miRNA regulator for miR-7, in turn modulating WNT5 expression. Furthermore, miR-7 is also involved in insulin secretion modulation; indeed, this miRNA directly inhibits genes acting in insulin granules fusion (Snca, Cspa, Cplx1). Red arrows indicate enhancement/stimulation, while black lines represent inhibition/suppression.