A compendium of noncoding RNAs as biomarkers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is among the most widespread multifactorial disorders worldwide, defined by increased plasma glucose levels. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is the most prevalent and common form of diabetes mellitus. T2DM is a metabolic condition characterized by abnormal blood glucose levels, insulin resistance in target tissues, and a reduced mass and function of islet β cells. Highlighting the significance of investigating new biomarkers, particularly during the initial stages of development, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been identified as valuable resources for T2DM. NcRNAs are a class of RNAs found in humans that play significant roles in epigenetics and in regulating post-transcriptional gene expression. Since they function as regulatory molecules, upon base pairing with the mRNA, they exhibit post-transcriptional alterations in the signaling cascade within the cells by regulating the expression of multiple targets simultaneously. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are the two primary categories of non-coding RNAs. Several studies have shown that sncRNAs and lncRNAs have evolved as potential biomarkers in T2DM. This review focuses on non-coding RNAs as biomarkers for T2DM and their role in preventing chronic complications.