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Updated: May 29, 2026
08:50
Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets
Published on: July 3, 2018
Bace2 is a β cell-enriched protease that regulates pancreatic β cell function and mass
Daria Esterházy1, Ina Stützer, Haiyan Wang
1Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland.
Cell Metabolism
|September 13, 2011
Summary
Beta cell loss in type 2 diabetes can be reversed by inhibiting beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2 (Bace2). This enzyme regulates Tmem27 shedding, and its inhibition boosts beta cell mass and improves glucose control.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is characterized by reduced beta cell mass and function.
- Beta cell maintenance is crucial for glucose homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel regulators of beta cell mass.
- To investigate the role of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 2 (Bace2) in beta cell function and mass.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a siRNA screen to identify beta cell regulators.
- Utilized murine and human beta cells.
- Administered a novel Bace2 inhibitor to insulin-resistant mice.
Main Results:
- Identified Bace2 as the sheddase of the proproliferative protein Tmem27 in beta cells.
- Mice with inactive Bace2 showed increased beta cell mass.
- Bace2 inhibition in insulin-resistant mice augmented beta cell mass and improved glucose homeostasis via increased insulin levels.
Conclusions:
- Bace2 plays a significant role in controlling pancreatic beta cell maintenance.
- Inhibiting Bace2 offers a potential therapeutic strategy for expanding functional beta cell mass in type 2 diabetes.
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