MALAT1 SNP (rs619586) shows a protective effect against type 1 diabetes mellitus, while the miR-146a SNP (rs57095329) is linked to an increased risk of developing the disease.

Abstract

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), one of the most distinct and intricate metabolic diseases, is characterized by the death of pancreatic β-cells, which leads to a lack of insulin secretion and, ultimately, hyperglycemia. The condition is more common in children and adolescents. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They are essential to the control of several vital physiological processes. Many diseases have been linked to genetic variations in LncRNAs and miRNAs, though, their significance in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is yet underappreciated.

Methods: Ninety-two Egyptian children diagnosed with T1DM as well as 92 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were incorporated in the current research. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to assess rs619586 and rs57095329 in the study subjects.

Results: The GG and AG genotypes and the G allele of MALAT1 (rs619586) were associated with a significant decrease in the risk of T1DM.Also, the AG and GG genotypes as well as the G allele of miR-146a (rs57095329) were associated with a significant increase in the risk of T1DM (p > 0.05, each).

Conclusion: For the first time, our investigation had shown the connection between MALAT1 (rs619586) and miRNA-146a (rs57095329) polymorphisms and the risk of development of T1DM in Egyptians.