Page 30 - GPD-4-2

Gene & Protein in Disease lncRNAs dysregulation in diabetes and its complications

proven effective in reducing urinary protein and fasting inflammation associated with diabetes have not yet been
glucose, improving glucose tolerance, and mitigating renal fully explored. This review presents the classification,
damage in db/db mice. APS promotes autophagy and function, and mechanisms of lncRNAs involved in the
reduces fibrosis by modulating the lncRNA Gm41268 and regulation of diabetes-related inflammation, along with
its target gene, prolactin receptor, highlighting the potential an introduction to lncRNAs. As demonstrated, lncRNAs
of lncRNA-targeted therapies for DN complications. can exert their effects by interacting with proteins, RNA,
122
Research on nerve injury-specific lncRNA (NIS-lncRNA) DNA, or combinations thereof. They play a vital role
suggests that antisense oligonucleotides targeting NIS- in the initiation and progression of disease. Therefore,
lncRNA can relieve pain and suppress inflammatory this area of research should be pursued further. Future
markers, offering therapeutic benefits not only for DN but studies should focus on the specific pathophysiology of
also for conditions such as chemotherapy-induced nerve lncRNAs in diabetic inflammatory disease, with the aim
damage. 123 of identifying them as potential therapeutic targets and
Despite promising preclinical results, advancing indicators for diabetes patients, thereby providing new
lncRNA-based therapies into clinical practice presents approaches for treating diabetic inflammation through
several challenges. A key issue is the quantitative detection lncRNA-based therapies. We believe that continued
of lncRNAs, given their typically low expression levels. research into lncRNAs will yield important discoveries in
Although real-time qPCR is commonly employed, it may the future.
lack the sensitivity required for precise measurement. In
addition, systemic delivery of lncRNA-targeted therapies Acknowledgments
risks unintended off-target effects, as lncRNAs regulate The authors are thankful to the Vice Chancellor of the
multiple pathways simultaneously. Optimizing delivery University of Narowal for providing support for this study.
methods, such as tissue-specific viral or lipid-based
vectors, is essential to enhance specificity and minimize Funding
side effects. None.
In summary, lncRNAs offer a promising path for
developing targeted therapies in DN, with several Conflict of interest
preclinical studies yielding encouraging outcomes. Umair Ali Khan Saddozai and Xinying Ji are the Editorial
However, challenges in detection, delivery, and systemic Board Members of this journal but were not in any
impact must be resolved before these therapies can way involved in the editorial and peer-review process
transition to clinical practice. Further research, particularly conducted for this paper, directly or indirectly. Separately,
human clinical trials, will be vital for validating the efficacy other authors declared that they have no known competing
and safety of lncRNA-based treatments. Overcoming these financial interests or personal relationships that could have
obstacles is critical to unlocking the potential of lncRNAs influenced the work reported in this paper.
as therapeutic tools for managing diabetic complications.
Authors contributions
7. Challenges and future directions
Conceptualization: Xinying Ji, Muhammad Babar Khawar
As more and more lncRNAs are discovered, the majority of Visualization: Ali Afzal, Huma Rasheed
them still have unknown roles and mechanisms of action. Writing–original draft: Huma Rasheed, Ali Afzal,
Research on lncRNAs related to diabetes is in its early Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Babar Khawar, Shaaf
stages. However, recent studies have clearly demonstrated Ahmad, Sadia Ahmad, Faiqa Irshad, Mehreen Iftikhar,
the critical role lncRNAs play in adipogenesis, β-cell Zaman Gul
activity, and the development of insulin resistance. These Writing–review & editing: Huma Rasheed, Ali Afzal, Shaaf
discoveries suggest that lncRNAs could serve as viable new Ahmad, Sadia Ahmad, Faiqa Irshad, Zaman Gul,
therapeutic targets for diabetes and its complications, as Umair Ali Khan Saddozai
well as potential diagnostic indicators. This is undoubtedly
a promising new area of diabetes research. lncRNAs are Ethics approval and consent to participate
important regulators of various biological processes.
Several studies have also highlighted their significance in Not applicable.
the emergence of disease, particularly focusing on their
role in heart and cardiovascular disease. However, the Consent for publication
underlying mechanisms by which lncRNAs influence the Not applicable.

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 10 doi: 10.36922/gpd.4000