Exploring MicroRNAs in Diabetic Chronic Cutaneous Ulcers: Regulatory Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potentials

Diabetic chronic cutaneous ulcers (DCU) is one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus, which mainly occurs in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Recent studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and their target genes are essential regulators of cell physiology and pathology including biological processes that are involved in the regulation of diabetes and diabetes-related microvascular complications. In vivo and in vitro models have revealed that the expression of some miRNAs can be regulated in the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, and wound remodeling of DCU. Nevertheless, the application potential of miRNAs in the clinic is still limited. Thus, we provide a contemporary overview of the miRNAs as well as their associated target genes and pathways (such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, TGF-β/Smad, PI3K/AKT/mTOR) related to DCU healing. Besides, we summarize the current development of drugs for DCU treatment and discuss the therapeutic challenges of DCU treatment and its potential future research directions.