[PDF][PDF] Delta-like ligand-4-notch signaling inhibition regulates pancreatic islet function and insulin secretion

F Billiard, S Karaliota, B Wang, D Stellas, I Serafimidis… - Cell reports, 2018 - cell.com
F Billiard, S Karaliota, B Wang, D Stellas, I Serafimidis, A Manousopoulou, Y Koutmani…
Cell reports, 2018cell.com
Although Notch signaling has been proposed as a therapeutic target for type-2 diabetes,
liver steatosis, and atherosclerosis, its direct effect on pancreatic islets remains unknown.
Here, we demonstrated a function of Dll4-Notch signaling inhibition on the biology of insulin-
producing cells. We confirmed enhanced expression of key Notch signaling genes in
purified pancreatic islets from diabetic NOD mice and showed that treatment with anti-Dll4
antibody specifically abolished Notch signaling pathway activation. Furthermore, we showed …
Summary
Although Notch signaling has been proposed as a therapeutic target for type-2 diabetes, liver steatosis, and atherosclerosis, its direct effect on pancreatic islets remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated a function of Dll4-Notch signaling inhibition on the biology of insulin-producing cells. We confirmed enhanced expression of key Notch signaling genes in purified pancreatic islets from diabetic NOD mice and showed that treatment with anti-Dll4 antibody specifically abolished Notch signaling pathway activation. Furthermore, we showed that Notch inhibition could drive proliferation of β-islet cells and confer protection from the development of STZ-induced diabetes. Importantly, inhibition of the Dll4 pathway in WT mice increased insulin secretion by inducing the differentiation of pancreatic β-islet cell progenitors, as well as the proliferation of insulin-secreting cells. These findings reveal a direct effect of Dll4-blockade on pancreatic islets that, in conjunction with its immunomodulatory effects, could be used for unmet medical needs hallmarked by inefficient insulin action.
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