Differential CpG methylation at Nnat in the early establishment of beta cell heterogeneity.

ABSTRACT:

Aims/hypothesis

Beta cells within the pancreatic islet represent a heterogenous population wherein individual sub-groups of cells make distinct contributions to the overall control of insulin secretion. These include a subpopulation of highly connected 'hub' cells, important for the propagation of intercellular Ca²⁺ waves. Functional subpopulations have also been demonstrated in human beta cells, with an altered subtype distribution apparent in type 2 diabetes. At present, the molecular mechanisms through which beta cell hierarchy is established are poorly understood. Changes at the level of the epigenome provide one such possibility, which we explore here by focusing on the imprinted gene Nnat (encoding neuronatin [NNAT]), which is required for normal insulin synthesis

SUBMITTER: Yu V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11058053 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature