Rac1-NADPH oxidase signaling promotes CD36 activation under glucotoxic conditions in pancreatic beta cells

Rac1- NADPH oxidase induces CD36 expression under high glucose. High glucose induced Rac1-NADPH oxidase complex induced CD36 trafficking to the plasma membrane. Increased plasma membrane expression of CD36 may increase influx of free fatty acids into the cell and increase the dysfunction of beta cells. High levels of ROS enhance the oxidative damage and exacerbate the beta cell apoptosis by mitochondrial dysfunction.204