Forming cell cluster regulates glucose-stimulated insulin gene expression and promotes insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cell

摘要

In summary, the formation of pancreatic β-cell spheroids influence the insulin gene expression. Relative to monolayer, clusters has higher stimulation-index and lower constitutive insulin release. Besides, Cx36 protein plays an important role in the regulating pathway. In low glucose condition, the RNA expressions of clusters showed that most genes previously activated in monolayers were downregulated. The expressions of Ins1, Pdx1 and MafA were further upregulated for clusters under high glucose environment. This study reveals that cell coupling regulates glucose-stimulated insulin gene expression to promote insulin secretion in mouse β-cells. Moreover, cell aggregation also enhances in vivo performance of β-cells.