Abstract
A complex network of interacting transcription factors plays a critical role in normal pancreatic beta cell function, with mutations in certain transcription factor genes known to cause diabetes. In a recent issue of Cell, Gunton et al.(2005) demonstrate a role for the transcription factor ARNT/HIF1beta (hydrocarbon nuclear receptor translocator/hypoxia-inducible factor 1 beta) in normal beta cell function. ARNT expression is reduced in diabetic human islets and beta cell-specific ARNT knockout mice show the impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal insulin secretion that are characteristic of type 2 diabetes.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator
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Cells, Cultured
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / genetics
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism*
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Gene Expression Regulation
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Humans
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Insulin / metabolism
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Islets of Langerhans / cytology
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Islets of Langerhans / physiology*
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / genetics
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / genetics
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Transcription, Genetic
Substances
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ARNT protein, human
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Arnt protein, mouse
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Insulin
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Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon
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Transcription Factors
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator