Long noncoding RNAs as novel biomarkers for Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disease characterized by disordered glucagon secretion, insulin resistance in target tissues, and decreased islet beta-cell mass and function. The routine diagnosis was based on measurements of metabolic markers, while genetic risk factors have been considered to increase the probability of predicting the development of the disease. Recent evidence suggests that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate gene expression in various physiological and pathological processes. As increasing lncRNAs are identified in beta cells, understanding the regulatory roles of lncRNAs in T2D becomes indispensable. In this review, we discuss the potential role of lncRNAs contributing to beta-cell identity and T2D susceptibility, which provide a perspective insight into the development of novel diagnosis biomarkers for T2D.