Role of HNF-1alpha in regulating the expression of genes involved in cellular growth and proliferation in pancreatic beta-cells.

ABSTRACT: Hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor. Humans heterozygous for mutations in the HNF-1alpha gene develop maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY3), which is associated with reduced insulin secretion. The mechanisms responsible for defective glucose-induced insulin secretion due to HNF-1alpha deficiency are complex. In order to explore the relationship between HNF-1alpha and beta-cell proliferation, we have created a novel animal model. Mice lacking one allele of the HNF-1alpha gene were crossed with transgenic mice expressing the large T antigen driven by the rat insulin II promoter (RIP). The resulting mouse strains allowed us to study the effect of HNF-1alpha deficiency on the extensive beta-cell proliferation that occurs in these mice.

SUBMITTER: Uchizono Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2782714 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature