The miR-200 family in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes

The miR-200 family is a highly conserved group of five microRNAs (miRNAs) extensively studied in cancer biology. However, its role in metabolic-related diseases remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the expression patterns of the miR-200 family in visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT) from individuals with different metabolic statuses.

Expression levels of miR-200 family members were analyzed in vWAT samples from 94 participants divided into three groups: normal weight without type 2 diabetes (noOB-noT2D;n = 19), individuals with obesity and without T2D (OB-noT2D;n = 45), and individuals with both obesity and T2D (OB-T2D;n = 30). PCA, correlation analysis, and functional enrichment were performed to explore the biological roles of the miR-200 family in metabolic dysfunction.

Significant differential expression was observed for hsa-miR-200b-3p (p = 0.010), hsa-miR-200c-3p (p = 0.002), and hsa-miR-141-3p (p = 0.004) across groups. Specifically, hsa-miR-200b-3p was upregulated only in the OB-noT2D group compared to noOB-noT2D, whereas hsa-miR-200c-3p and hsa-miR-141-3p were significantly upregulated in both groups of individuals with obesity relative to normal weight individuals. Additionally, positive correlations were found between BMI and the expression of hsa-miR-200c-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, and hsa-miR-429. Distinct expression patterns emerged when miRNAs were grouped based on chromosomal location or functional classification. Functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways associated with insulin signaling, inflammation, and immune response.

These results highlight the potential of miR-200 family members as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in metabolic disease.