Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Intramuscular Transplantation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Pancreatic Endocrine Cells in Mice
Published on: April 10, 2026
MAFA: A Master Regulator of β-Cell Maturation and Function
Lizabeth Johnson1, Mallory A Maurer2, Jeeyeon Cha1,2,3
1Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
Abstract:
Dynamic insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis are dependent on the appropriate maturation and function of pancreatic β-cells. The islet-enriched musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene family A (MAFA) transcription factor acts as a master regulator of β-cell identity and function, coordinating gene expression networks required for glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Dysregulation of MAFA contributes to β-cell dysfunction, as reduced expression is detected early in the pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, while long-lived variants can drive monogenic forms of diabetes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of MAFA on β-cell maturation and function in both the mouse and human. This includes structural features of the MAFA protein, regulation of MAFA transcription, post-translational modifications, and emerging areas of research for therapeutic potential.
More Related Videos
12:32High-resolution Respirometry to Measure Mitochondrial Function of Intact Beta Cells in the Presence of Natural Compounds
Published on: January 23, 2018
09:31Sustained Administration of β-cell Mitogens to Intact Mouse Islets Ex Vivo Using Biodegradable Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Microspheres
Published on: November 5, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Master Transcription Regulators
Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
Insulin Secretory Vesicles