Roles of long non-coding RNAs in gestational diabetes mellitus: Mechanisms and biomarker potential

Abstract

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression and emerging evidence implicates their dysregulation in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a common metabolic disorder threatening maternal and foetal health. This review explores how lncRNAs are involved in GDM.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed database using combinations of keywords “lncRNA”, “long non-coding RNA”, “gestational diabetes mellitus”, and “GDM”. Relevant English original articles were screened, and non-relevant studies were excluded.

Results: In GDM, several lncRNAs including MALAT1, MEG8, and SOX2OT are upregulated, while HCG27, GAS5, and PAX-AS1 are downregulated. These dysregulated lncRNAs play mechanistic roles in regulating trophoblast proliferation, insulin signaling, neonatal and offspring health, and other GDM-related complications. Such alterations were associated with dysregulation of IGF-1, PI3K/Akt, MAPK, miRNAs, and other signaling pathways.

Conclusion: LncRNAs regulate key pathways involved in insulin resistance, placental dysfunction, and inflammation in GDM. Dysregulated lncRNAs are promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Future multi-center and mechanistic studies are needed to enable precision medicine for GDM.

Keywords

biological functions / biomarkers / gestational diabetes mellitus / long non-coding RNAs / signalling pathways

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