Transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism: A key determinant of pancreatic ß-cell function

• Author(s) / Creator(s)

  • Fatehi-Hassanabad, Zahra
  • Chan, Catherine B.

• Background Optimal pancreatic β-cell function is essential for the regulation of glucose homeostasis in both humans and animals and its impairment leads to the development of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a polygenic disease aggravated by environmental factors such as low physical activity or a hypercaloric high-fat diet. Results Free fatty acids represent an important factor linking excess fat mass to type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that chronically elevated free fatty acids have a negative effect on β-cell function leading to elevated insulin secretion basally but with an impaired response to glucose. The transcription factors PPARα, PPARγ and SREBP-1c respond to changing fat concentrations in tissues, thereby coordinating the genomic response to altered metabolic conditions to promote either fat storage or catabolism. These transcription factors have been identified in β-cells and it appears that each may exert influence on β-cell function in health and disease. Conclusion The role of the PPARs and SREBP-1c as potential mediators of lipotoxicity is an emerging area of interest.

• Date created

  2005

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Diabetes--Research
  • Fatty Acids In Human Nutrition
  • Pancreatic Beta Cells
  • Homeostasis
  • Lipid Metabolism

• Type of Item

  Article (Published)

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3XG9FQ7N

• License

  Attribution 4.0 International