Identification of microRNAs as a potential novel regulatory mechanism in HSD11B1 expression

► 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a critical target in obesity. ► The tissue-specific expression of 11β-HSD1 (HSD11B1) was obscure. ► This is the first report on the regulation of 11β-HSD1 expression by miRNAs. ► We could detect both miR-561 and -579 in human total liver RNA by RT-PCR. ► The two miRNAs may have a potential role in glucocorticoid associated diseases.