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Ras homolog enriched in brain 1 regulates β cell mass and β cell function via mTORC1/AMPK/Notch1 pathways.
Yan Yang1, Wan-Juan Song2, Jing-Jing Zhang3
1National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China.
Ras homolog enriched in brain 1 (Rheb1) regulates beta cell proliferation and identity. This protein, Rheb1, is a promising therapeutic target for diabetes by influencing beta cell mass and function.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Diabetes Research
Background:
- Identifying regulators of beta cell mass and function is key for diabetes therapeutics.
- Ras homolog enriched in brain 1 (Rheb1) is a potential target, but its mechanisms in beta cells are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and mechanism of Rheb1 in regulating beta cell mass and function.
Main Methods:
- Utilized human and mouse islet samples, Min6 cell line, and Rheb1 knockout mouse models.
- Employed rapamycin (mTORC1 inhibitor) and AICAR (AMPK activator) to study signaling pathways.
- Assessed Rheb1 effects on beta cell function via western blotting and immunofluorescence.
Main Results:
- Rheb1 expression is higher in young human islets. Rheb1 promotes beta cell proliferation via both mTORC1 and AMPK pathways.
- Combined mTORC1 and AMPK inhibition fully blocks Rheb1-induced proliferation.
- Rheb1 maintains beta cell identity by activating mTORC1 and Notch1, and positively regulates HNF4α.
Conclusions:
- Rheb1 is a critical regulator of beta cell proliferation, identity, and development.
- Rheb1 represents a novel therapeutic target for diabetes.
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