Long, Noncoding RNA SRA Induces Apoptosis of β-Cells by Promoting the IRAK1/LDHA/Lactate Pathway

Long non-coding RNA steroid receptor RNA activators (LncRNA SRAs) are implicated in the β-cell destruction of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), but functional association remains poorly understood. Here, we aimed to verify the role of LncRNA SRA regulation in β-cells. LncRNA SRAs were highly expressed in plasma samples and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from T1D patients. LncRNA SRA was strongly upregulated by high-glucose treatment. LncRNA SRA acts as a microRNA (miR)-146b sponge through direct sequence–structure interactions. Silencing of lncRNA SRA increased the functional genes of Tregs, resulting in metabolic reprogramming, such as decreased lactate levels, repressed lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA)/phosphorylated LDHA (pLDHA at Tyr10) expression, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, increased ATP production, and finally, decreased β-cell apoptosis in vitro. There was a positive association between lactate level and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level in the plasma from patients with T1D. Recombinant human interleukin (IL)-2 treatment repressed lncRNA SRA expression and activity in β-cells. Higher levels of lncRNA-SRA/lactate in the plasma are associated with poor regulation in T1D patients. LncRNA SRA contributed to T1D pathogenesis through the inhibition of miR-146b in β-cells, with activating signaling transduction of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1)/LDHA/pLDHA. Taken together, LncRNA SRA plays a critical role in the function of β-cells.