Pancreas morphogenesis and homeostasis depends on tightly regulated Zeb1 levels in epithelial cells.

ABSTRACT: The pancreas is comprised of exocrine and endocrine compartments releasing digestive enzymes into the duodenum and regulating blood glucose levels by insulin and glucagon release. Tissue homeostasis is depending on transcription factor networks, involving Ptf1α, Ngn3, Nkx6.1, and Sox9, which are already activated during organogenesis. However, proper organ function is challenged by diets of high sugar and fat content, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and other disorders. A detailed understanding of processes that are important for homeostasis and are impaired during type 2 diabetes is lacking. Here, we show that Zeb1-a transcription factor known for its pivotal role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell plasticity, and metastasis in cancer-is expressed at low levels in epithelia

SUBMITTER: Lasierra Losada M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8192546 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature