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Title: Nitric oxide stimulates insulin gene transcription in pancreatic {beta}-cells

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [3];  [4]
  1. Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom)
  2. Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg (South Africa)
  3. School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter (United Kingdom)
  4. School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton (United Kingdom)

Recent studies have identified a positive role for nitric oxide (NO) in the regulation of pancreatic {beta}-cell function. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term exposure to NO on {beta}-cell gene expression and the activity of the transcription factor PDX-1. NO stimulated the activity of the insulin gene promoter in Min6 {beta}-cells and endogenous insulin mRNA levels in both Min6 and isolated islets of Langerhans. Addition of wortmannin prior to NO stimulation blocked the observed increases in insulin gene promoter activity. Although NO addition stimulated the phosphorylation of p38, inhibition by SB203580 did not block the effect of NO on the insulin gene promoter. NO addition also stimulated both the nuclear accumulation and the DNA binding activity of PDX-1. This study has shown that over 24 h, NO stimulates insulin gene expression, PI-3-kinase activity and the activity of the critical {beta}-cell transcription factor PDX-1.

OSTI ID:
20979810
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 353, Issue 4; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.12.127; PII: S0006-291X(06)02798-7; Copyright (c) 2006 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English