RS2910164 polymorphism in the microrna-146a is associated with risk for type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is characterized by severe autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, which renders subjects insulin-dependent for life. The triggering of autoimmunity against beta-cells is probably caused by a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors. Even though much is known about the genetic of T1D, more information is needed to completely unravel this tangled web. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs molecules that negatively regulate gene expression by inducing target mRNA cleavage or by inhibiting protein translation. Abnormal miRNA expressions have been described in several pathological conditions, including autoimmune diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes codifying miRNAs may alter the expression of the corresponding miRNA and, thus, confer susceptibility for a given disease. In this context, two SNPs in the miR-146a gene, rs2910164 and rs57095329, have been reported as being associated with autoimmune diseases by altering the expression of the mature miR-146a, a miRNA involved in both innate and adaptive immunity.