The Connexin 43 Regulator Rotigaptide Reduces Cytokine-Induced Cell Death in Human Islets.

ABSTRACT: Intercellular communication mediated by cationic fluxes through the Connexin family of gap junctions regulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and beta cell defense against inflammatory stress. Rotigaptide (RG, ZP123) is a peptide analog that increases intercellular conductance in cardiac muscle cells by the prevention of dephosphorylation and thereby uncoupling of Connexin-43 (Cx43), possibly via action on unidentified protein phosphatases. For this reason, it is being studied in human arrhythmias. It is unknown if RG protects islet cell function and viability against inflammatory or metabolic stress, a question of considerable translational interest for the treatment of diabetes. Apoptosis was measured in human islets shown to express Cx43, treated with RG or the control peptide ZP1

SUBMITTER: Ghiasi SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7352593 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature