Enhanced dynorphin expression and secretion in pancreatic beta-cells under hyperglycemic conditions.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Dynorphin, an endogenous opioid peptide predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and involved in stress response, pain, and addiction, has intrigued researchers due to its expression in pancreatic β-cells. In this study, we aimed to characterize dynorphin expression in mouse and human islets and explore the mechanisms regulating its expression.

Methods

We used primary mouse and human islets with unbiased published datasets to examine how glucose and other nutrients regulate dynorphin expression and secretion in islets.

Results

The prodynorphin gene is significantly upregulated in β-cells under hyperglycemic conditions. In vitro studies revealed that increased glucose concentrations correlate with increased dynorphin expression, indicating a crit

SUBMITTER: Movahed M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11846442 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature