Regulation of β-cell mass by hormones and growth factors

摘要

Substantial new information has accumulated on molecular mechanisms of pancreas development, regu- lation of β-cell gene expression, and the role of growth factors in the differentiation, growth, and regenera- tion of β-cells. The present review focuses on some recent studies on the mechanism of action of cytokines such as growth hormone(GH)and prolactin(PRL)in β-cell proliferation and gene expression-in particu- lar, the role of signal transducers and activators of transcription(STAT)proteins.