| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2041438 | Cell Reports | 2015 | 8 Pages |
•BAD BH3 domain phosphorylation imparts β cell autonomous protective effects•The prosurvival effect of BAD phosphorylation is mediated by glucokinase•Phospho-BAD BH3 mimicry improves islet engraftment in transplanted diabetic mice
SummaryStrategies that simultaneously enhance the survival and glucose responsiveness of insulin-producing β cells will greatly augment β cell replacement therapies in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We show that genetic and pharmacologic mimetics of the phosphorylated BCL-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain of BAD impart β-cell-autonomous protective effects in the face of stress stimuli relevant to β cell demise in T1D. Importantly, these benefits translate into improved engraftment of donor islets in transplanted diabetic mice, increased β cell viability in islet grafts, restoration of insulin release, and diabetes reversal. Survival of β cells in this setting is not merely due to the inability of phospho-BAD to suppress prosurvival BCL-2 proteins but requires its activation of the glucose-metabolizing enzyme glucokinase. Thus, BAD phospho-BH3 mimetics may prove useful in the restoration of functional β cell mass in diabetes.
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