A three-layer perspective on miRNA regulation in β cell inflammation

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and influence numerous biological processes. Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to diseases such as diabetes mellitus; indeed, miRNAs regulate pancreatic islet inflammation in both type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Traditionally, miRNA research has focused on canonical sequences and offers a two-layer view - from expression to function. However, advances in RNA sequencing have revealed miRNA variants, called isomiRs, that arise from alternative processing or modifications of canonical sequences. This introduces a three-layer view - from expression, through sequence modifications, to function. We discuss the potential link between cellular stresses and isomiR biogenesis, and how this association could improve our knowledge of islet inflammation and dysfunction.