Modified Pancreatic Beta Cells Excrete More Insulin
By LabMedica International staff writers Posted on 30 Nov 2009 |
Pancreatic beta cells lacking the enzyme LKB1 produce more insulin than normal beta cells and are more effective in controlling blood glucose levels.
Investigators at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) worked with a line of mice that specifically lacked beta cell LKB1 (serine/threonine kinase 11). This enzyme is a primary upstream kinase of adenine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a necessary element in cell metabolism that is required for maintaining energy homeostasis. LKB1 exerts a growth suppressing effect by activating a group of approximately 14 other kinases, comprising AMPK, and AMPK-related kinases. Activation of AMPK by LKB1 suppresses growth and proliferation when energy and nutrient levels are scarce.
Results published in the October 7, 2009, issue of the journal Cell Metabolism revealed that deletion of the LKB1 gene from beta cells caused the production and secretion of more insulin than normal beta cells, resulting in an enhanced response to increases in blood glucose levels. Additionally, LKB1 deficiency caused a 65% increase in beta cell volume.
While it is attractive to speculate that it may be possible to develop some type of novel therapy for diabetes based on limiting the presence of this gene in pancreas beta cells, thus enhancing insulin secretion; it is necessary to recognize the role of LKB1 as a tumor suppressor gene. Activation of AMPK-related kinases by LKB1 is important for maintaining cell polarity thereby inhibiting inappropriate expansion of tumor cells, while loss of LKB1 leads to disorganization of cell polarity and facilitates tumor growth under energetically unfavorable conditions.
Related Links:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Investigators at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) worked with a line of mice that specifically lacked beta cell LKB1 (serine/threonine kinase 11). This enzyme is a primary upstream kinase of adenine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a necessary element in cell metabolism that is required for maintaining energy homeostasis. LKB1 exerts a growth suppressing effect by activating a group of approximately 14 other kinases, comprising AMPK, and AMPK-related kinases. Activation of AMPK by LKB1 suppresses growth and proliferation when energy and nutrient levels are scarce.
Results published in the October 7, 2009, issue of the journal Cell Metabolism revealed that deletion of the LKB1 gene from beta cells caused the production and secretion of more insulin than normal beta cells, resulting in an enhanced response to increases in blood glucose levels. Additionally, LKB1 deficiency caused a 65% increase in beta cell volume.
While it is attractive to speculate that it may be possible to develop some type of novel therapy for diabetes based on limiting the presence of this gene in pancreas beta cells, thus enhancing insulin secretion; it is necessary to recognize the role of LKB1 as a tumor suppressor gene. Activation of AMPK-related kinases by LKB1 is important for maintaining cell polarity thereby inhibiting inappropriate expansion of tumor cells, while loss of LKB1 leads to disorganization of cell polarity and facilitates tumor growth under energetically unfavorable conditions.
Related Links:
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Latest BioResearch News
- Genome Analysis Predicts Likelihood of Neurodisability in Oxygen-Deprived Newborns
- Gene Panel Predicts Disease Progession for Patients with B-cell Lymphoma
- New Method Simplifies Preparation of Tumor Genomic DNA Libraries
- New Tool Developed for Diagnosis of Chronic HBV Infection
- Panel of Genetic Loci Accurately Predicts Risk of Developing Gout
- Disrupted TGFB Signaling Linked to Increased Cancer-Related Bacteria
- Gene Fusion Protein Proposed as Prostate Cancer Biomarker
- NIV Test to Diagnose and Monitor Vascular Complications in Diabetes
- Semen Exosome MicroRNA Proves Biomarker for Prostate Cancer
- Genetic Loci Link Plasma Lipid Levels to CVD Risk
- Newly Identified Gene Network Aids in Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Link Confirmed between Living in Poverty and Developing Diseases
- Genomic Study Identifies Kidney Disease Loci in Type I Diabetes Patients
- Liquid Biopsy More Effective for Analyzing Tumor Drug Resistance Mutations
- New Liquid Biopsy Assay Reveals Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Method Developed for Enriching Trophoblast Population in Samples