Emerging roles of the long non-coding RNAs MALAT1 and TUG1 during differentiation of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells towards insulin-producing cells

• MALAT1 and TUG1 are significantly upregulated during differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells into insulin-producing cells, suggesting their role as positive regulators of this process. • In-silico analysis using the RAIN database reveals an interplay between MALAT1 and TUG1 and common targets such as GAS5, HOTAIR, and TP53COR1, indicating a complex regulatory network. • The findings propose that MALAT1 and TUG1 may act as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) and epigenetic modulators, orchestrating signaling pathways and overcoming cellular stress during differentiation. • This study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell differentiation towards insulin-producing cells, potentially informing improved protocols for diabetes cell therapy.