[PDF][PDF] RFX6 regulates insulin secretion by modulating Ca2+ homeostasis in human β cells

V Chandra, O Albagli-Curiel, B Hastoy, J Piccand… - Cell reports, 2014 - cell.com
V Chandra, O Albagli-Curiel, B Hastoy, J Piccand, C Randriamampita, E Vaillant, H Cavé…
Cell reports, 2014cell.com
Development and function of pancreatic β cells involve the regulated activity of specific
transcription factors. RFX6 is a transcription factor essential for mouse β cell differentiation
that is mutated in monogenic forms of neonatal diabetes. However, the expression and
functional roles of RFX6 in human β cells, especially in pathophysiological conditions, are
poorly explored. We demonstrate the presence of RFX6 in adult human pancreatic
endocrine cells. Using the recently developed human β cell line EndoC-βH2, we show that …
Summary
Development and function of pancreatic β cells involve the regulated activity of specific transcription factors. RFX6 is a transcription factor essential for mouse β cell differentiation that is mutated in monogenic forms of neonatal diabetes. However, the expression and functional roles of RFX6 in human β cells, especially in pathophysiological conditions, are poorly explored. We demonstrate the presence of RFX6 in adult human pancreatic endocrine cells. Using the recently developed human β cell line EndoC-βH2, we show that RFX6 regulates insulin gene transcription, insulin content, and secretion. Knockdown of RFX6 causes downregulation of Ca2+-channel genes resulting in the reduction in L-type Ca2+-channel activity that leads to suppression of depolarization-evoked insulin exocytosis. We also describe a previously unreported homozygous missense RFX6 mutation (p.V506G) that is associated with neonatal diabetes, which lacks the capacity to activate the insulin promoter and to increase Ca2+-channel expression. Our data therefore provide insights for understanding certain forms of neonatal diabetes.
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