[HTML][HTML] Connexin implication in the control of the murine beta-cell mass

P Klee, S Lamprianou, A Charollais, D Caille… - Pediatric …, 2011 - nature.com
P Klee, S Lamprianou, A Charollais, D Caille, R Sarro, M Cederroth, JA Haefliger, P Meda
Pediatric research, 2011nature.com
Diabetes develops when the insulin needs of peripheral cells exceed the availability or
action of the hormone. This situation results from the death of most beta-cells in type 1
diabetes, and from an inability of the beta-cell mass to adapt to increasing insulin needs in
type 2 and gestational diabetes. We analyzed several lines of transgenic mice and showed
that connexins (Cxs), the transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions, are implicated in
the modulation of the beta-cell mass. Specifically, we found that the native Cx36 does not …
Abstract
Diabetes develops when the insulin needs of peripheral cells exceed the availability or action of the hormone. This situation results from the death of most beta-cells in type 1 diabetes, and from an inability of the beta-cell mass to adapt to increasing insulin needs in type 2 and gestational diabetes. We analyzed several lines of transgenic mice and showed that connexins (Cxs), the transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions, are implicated in the modulation of the beta-cell mass. Specifically, we found that the native Cx36 does not alter islet size or insulin content, whereas the Cx43 isoform increases both parameters, and Cx32 has a similar effect only when combined with GH. These findings open interesting perspectives for the in vitro and in vivo regulation of the beta-cell mass.
nature.com