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Updated: Jun 24, 2025

Homogeneous Time-resolved Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-based Assay for Detection of Insulin Secretion
Published on: May 10, 2018
Inhibition of Insulin Secretion Induces Golgi Morphological Changes
Objectives:
The role of autophagy in pancreatic β cells has been reported, but the relationship between autophagy and insulin metabolism is complex and is not fully understood yet.
Design:
We here analyze the relationship between autophagy and insulin metabolism from a morphological aspect.
Methods:
We observe the morphological changes of β cell-specific Atg7-deficient mice and Atg5-deficient MIN6 cells with electron microscopy.
Results:
We find that Atg7-deficient β cells exhibit a marked expansion of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We also find that the inhibitory state of insulin secretion causes morphological changes in the Golgi, including ministacking and swelling. The same morphological alterations are observed when insulin secretion is suppressed in Atg5-deficient MIN6 cells.
Conclusions:
The defect of autophagy induces ER expansion, and inhibition of insulin secretion induces Golgi swelling, probably via ER stress and Golgi stress, respectively.
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