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Keywords

diabetes; beta cell; pancreas; overexpression; protein

Abstract

Diabetes is characterized by a loss in beta cell function within the pancreas and the subsequent inability to produce sufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose. While current diabetes treatments focus on delivering pharmaceutical insulin to diabetic individuals, such treatments are temporary solutions and do not address the root of the issue. Instead, our research focuses on potential mechanisms for inducing greater insulin secretion within the pancreas of the individual. NK6 Homeobox 1 (Nkx6.1) is a major transcription factor in beta cells and its overexpression in beta cells is associated with higher insulin secretion. Previous research indicates that Syntaxin 1A (Stx1A) interacts with Nkx6.1; Stx1A is of particular interest due to its role in mediating insulin granule fusion at the beta cell plasma membrane; thus directly impacting insulin secretion. We hypothesize that the interaction between Nkx6.1 and Stx1A may play an important yet understudied role in insulin secretion. Here, we present the results of our efforts to confirm Stx1A and Nkx6.1 interaction in pancreatic beta cells.

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2024-03-21

Language

English

College

Life Sciences

Department

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science

Nkx6.1 and Stx1A as binding partners in pancreatic beta cells

Included in

Nutrition Commons

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