Noncoding RNAs have important roles in the development and regulation of the endocrine system. Dysregulation of noncoding RNAs, in particular microRNAs, is associated with endocrine dysfunction. This Nature Reviews Endocrinology web collection on noncoding RNAs in endocrinology provides an overview of the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of endocrine disorders such as adrenal and thyroid cancers and diabetes mellitus, as well as in normal physiological processes, such as bone growth, pregnancy and labour. The selected articles highlight current and future applications of noncoding RNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and as therapeutic targets for personalized management of patients with a wide range of endocrine diseases.
Image credit: NPG
REVIEWS
MicroRNA regulatory networks in human adipose tissue and obesity
Peter Arner & Agné Kulyté
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2015.25
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 11, 276-288 (2015)
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate the differentiation of adipoctyes, as well as endocrine and inflammatory processes in adipose tissues. In this Review, Arner and Kulyté addressed the characterization and functions of miRNA regulatory networks in human adipose tissue, in particular the networks that contribute to chronic low-level inflammation. The potential for targeting these networks, as well as individual miRNAs, in obesity and other metabolic disorders is also discussed.
Long non-coding RNAs as regulators of the endocrine system
Marko Knoll, Harvey F. Lodish & Lei Sun
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2014.229
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 11, 151-160 (2015)
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important roles in many physiological and pathological processes. The authors of this Review focus on the endocrine system and discuss the involvement of lncRNAs in the development and function of various endocrine organs, as well as the associations of lncRNAs with endocrine diseases such as diabetes mellitus and endocrine cancers.
The 'omics' of adrenocortical tumours for personalized medicine
Guillaume Assié, Anne Jouinot & Jérôme Bertherat
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.272
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 215-228 (2014)
This Review describes the progress that has been made towards classification of adrenocortical tumours to date based on key genomic approaches. In addition, the potential for the development and use of various molecular tools to personalize the management of patients with adrenocortical tumours is discussed.
Deregulation of microRNA expression in thyroid neoplasias
Pierlorenzo Pallante, Sabrina Battista, Giovanna Maria Pierantoni & Alfredo Fusco
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.223
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 88-101 (2014)
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a class of powerful gene expression regulators with a fundamental role in the onset and progression of human cancers. This Review summarizes the emerging knowledge on miRNA deregulation in thyroid neoplasias, the mechanisms through which miRNA deregulation might promote thyroid cell transformation, and how this knowledge could be harnessed for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid neoplasias.
Circulating microRNAs as novel biomarkers for diabetes mellitus
Claudiane Guay & Romano Regazzi
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.86
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 513-521 (2013)
Measuring circulating levels of microRNAs is a promising strategy for identifying people at risk of developing diabetes mellitus; however, several obstacles still need to be overcome before this strategy can be used in clinical practice. This Review summarizes the weaknesses of current biomarkers and discusses the potential use of microRNAs as novel biomarkers.
MicroRNAs—mediators of myometrial contractility during pregnancy and labour
Nora E. Renthal, Koriand'r C. Williams & Carole R. Mendelson
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2013.96
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 9, 391-401 (2013)
This Review highlights the key role of microRNAs and their targets in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of term and preterm labour. The authors review data on microRNAs as evolutionarily conserved, hormonally controlled modulators of inflammatory and contractile gene expression in the uterus during pregnancy.
MicroRNA control of bone formation and homeostasis
Jane B. Lian, Gary S. Stein, Andre J. van Wijnen, Janet L. Stein, Mohammad Q. Hassan, Tripti Gaur & Ying Zhang
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2011.234
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 8, 212-227 (2012)
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of bone development, remodeling and pathologies. This Review discusses the critical functions of miRNAs controlling skeletal cell commitment, growth and differentiation. The authors present novel insights into the supervision of chondro-osteogenic signaling pathways and transcriptional regulatory networks that are coordinated for normal bone homeostasis.
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Therapy: Aptamer–lipid nanoparticle conjugates for RNAi in bone
Jennifer Sargent
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2015.18
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 11, 194 (2015)
Reproductive endocrinology: A microRNA prevents cervical embryonic implantation
Joana Osório
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2014.93
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 445 (2014)
Bone: Diagnostic blood test for osteoporosis moves a step closer
Vicky Heath
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2014.10
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 189 (2014)
Cancer: MicroRNA-mediated effects of vitamin D on leptin-stimulated tumour growth
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2014.179
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 702 (2014)
Bone: New microRNA inhibits osteoclastogenesis and suppresses osteoporosis and bone metastasis
doi:10.1038/nrendo.2014.111
Nature Reviews Endocrinology 10, 512 (2014)
© 2018 Macmillan Publishers Limited, part of Springer Nature. All Rights Reserved.
