Nkx6.1 regulates islet beta-cell proliferation via Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 nuclear receptors

ABSTRACT: Loss of functional beta-cell mass is a hallmark of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and methods for restoring these cells are needed. We have previously reported that overexpression of the homeodomain transcription factor Nkx6.1 in rat pancreatic islets induces beta-cell proliferation and enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but the pathway by which Nkx6.1 activates beta-cell expansion has not been defined. Here we demonstrate that Nkx6.1 induces expression of the Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 orphan nuclear receptors, and that these factors are both necessary and sufficient for Nkx6.1-mediated beta-cell proliferation. Consistent with this finding, global knockout of Nr4a1 results in a decrease in beta-cell area in neonatal and young mice. Overexpression of Nkx6.1 and the Nr4a receptors results in

ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus

SUBMITTER: Larry Moss 

PROVIDER: E-GEOD-55077 | biostudies-arrayexpress |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-arrayexpress