Modulation of Rab7a-mediated growth factor receptor trafficking inhibits islet beta cell apoptosis and autophagy under conditions of metabolic stress.

ABSTRACT: Regenerative medicine approaches to enhancing beta cell growth and survival represent potential treatments for diabetes. It is known that growth factors such as insulin, IGF-1 and HGF support beta cell growth and survival, but in people with type 2 diabetes the destructive effects of metabolic stress predominate and beta cell death or dysfunction occurs. In this study we explore the novel hypothesis that regulation of growth factor receptor trafficking can be used to promote islet beta cell survival. Growth factor signalling is dependent on the presence of cell surface receptors. Endosomal trafficking and subsequent recycling or degradation of these receptors is controlled by the Rab GTPase family of proteins. We show that Rab7a siRNA inhibition enhances IGF-1 and HGF signalling in beta ce

SUBMITTER: Hewawasam NV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7519639 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature