Self-inducible secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that allows MIN6 cells to maintain insulin secretion and insure cell survival

► Glucose-stimulated GLP-1 secretion from MIN6 cells was enhanced by exendin-4. ► Exendin-4 up-regulated Pax6 and its target genes, proglucagon and PC 1/3. ► Exendin-4 up-regulated sXBP-1, Bip, and ATF4 genes for relief of ER stress. ► Exendin-9 up-regulated cell apoptosis-related caspase 3 and CAD genes. ► Self-inducible GLP-1 secretion maintains insulin production and cell survival.