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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets
Published on: July 3, 2018
Nuclear receptor TLX regulates islet beta cell proliferation via E2F6
Xiaoli Shi1, Delin Ma1, Mengni Li1
1Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, PR China.
Abstract:
Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with loss of functional beta cell mass, and strategies to restore beta cells are urgently needed. We reported previously that overexpression of the nuclear receptor TLX induces beta cell proliferation, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been defined. Here, we identified direct targets of TLX in beta cells at the genome-wide level by ChIP-Seq. These targets include a cadre of regulators that are known to be critical for proliferation. Among these ChIP targets, E2F6 was tightly associated with the cell cycle modules, and thus, we further analyzed E2F6 expression and function in beta cells. We showed that E2F6 is strongly downregulated by TLX, and its expression inhibits beta cell proliferation. Moreover, coexpression of E2F6 with TLX partially abrogated the proliferative effects of TLX. These results strongly suggest that TLX acts through E2F6 to regulate beta cell proliferation. Together, the results of this study reveal a direct interaction between TLX and E2F6 and suggest new targets for the expansion of functional beta cell mass.
Insights
Nuclear receptor TLX promotes beta cell proliferation by downregulating E2F6. This study identifies TLX-E2F6 interaction as a key mechanism for expanding functional beta cell mass in diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve loss of functional beta cell mass.
- Restoring beta cell mass is a critical therapeutic goal.
- Previous work showed nuclear receptor TLX induces beta cell proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which TLX regulates beta cell proliferation.
- To identify direct targets of TLX in beta cells.
- To investigate the role of E2F6 in TLX-mediated beta cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to identify TLX targets genome-wide in beta cells.
- Analysis of E2F6 expression and its association with the cell cycle.
- Functional studies involving TLX and E2F6 coexpression in beta cells.
Main Results:
- ChIP-Seq identified direct TLX targets, including proliferation regulators.
- E2F6 was identified as a key TLX target downregulated by TLX.
- E2F6 expression inhibited beta cell proliferation, and its coexpression with TLX abrogated TLX's proliferative effects.
Conclusions:
- TLX regulates beta cell proliferation, at least in part, by downregulating E2F6.
- A direct interaction between TLX and E2F6 was revealed.
- These findings suggest TLX and E2F6 as potential targets for expanding functional beta cell mass.
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