[Transcription factors in the adult beta cell]

Insulin secretion by the pancreatic beta cell is critical to maintain glucose homeostasis. This secretion is impaired in type 1 diabetes, by beta cell autoimmune destruction, in type 2 diabetes, by multifactorial failures still not well determined, and in monogenic diabetes (MODY), by mutations in specific genes. During the last few years, several beta cell-specific transcription factors that regulate insulin synthesis and secretion in response to glucose have been discovered. Knockout mice studies for these genes and MODY diabetes demonstrate their importance for normal development and function of the beta cell. These factors are regulated not only in their expression by other genes, but also in their activity by other proteins and by post-translational modifications, therefore participating in physiologically important signaling pathways of the beta cell. The study of transcription factors is crucial for understanding the normal function of the beta cell, essential knowledge in developing new strategies for fighting diabetes.