The Role of AIF in β-Cell Health
Author Information
Author(s): Schulthess Fabienne T., Katz Sophie, Ardestani Amin, Kawahira Hiroshi, Georgia Senta, Bosco Domenico, Bhushan Anil, Maedler Kathrin
Primary Institution: Centre for Biomolecular Interactions, University of Bremen
Hypothesis
What role does AIF play in the regulation of β-cell survival, mass and insulin secretion?
Conclusion
AIF is essential for maintaining β-cell mass and for oxidative stress response.
Supporting Evidence
- AIF depletion resulted in a 3-fold decrease in β-cell mass at 2 weeks of age.
- Hq mutant mice showed an 8-fold increase in β-cell apoptosis.
- AIF deficiency did not impair glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.
- Human islets with AIF knockdown showed an 8.8-fold increase in β-cell apoptosis.
Takeaway
AIF helps keep insulin-producing cells healthy, and without it, these cells can die more easily.
Methodology
The study used Harlequin mutant mice and human islets to analyze the effects of AIF depletion on β-cell mass and apoptosis.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on a specific mouse model and may not fully represent human physiology.
Participant Demographics
Human islets from six different donors were used.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website