The GTPase RalA regulates different steps of the secretory process in pancreatic beta-cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

RalA and RalB are multifuntional GTPases involved in a variety of cellular processes including proliferation, oncogenic transformation and membrane trafficking. Here we investigated the mechanisms leading to activation of Ral proteins in pancreatic beta-cells and analyzed the impact on different steps of the insulin-secretory process.

Methodology/principal findings

We found that RalA is the predominant isoform expressed in pancreatic islets and insulin-secreting cell lines. Silencing of this GTPase in INS-1E cells by RNA interference led to a decrease in secretagogue-induced insulin release. Real-time measurements by fluorescence resonance energy transfer revealed that RalA activation in response to secretagogues occurs within 3-5 min and reaches a plateau after 1

SUBMITTER: Ljubicic S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2766836 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature