In vivo role of PTEN in pancreatic beta cell homeostasis and whole body growth.
Published: 2006
Language: eng
Number of pages: 98
ISBN-13: 9780494213247
Description: PTEN (phosphatase with tensin homology) is a potent negative regulator of P13K/Akt signaling, an evolutionarily conserved pathway that signals downstream of growth factors including insulin and IGF-1. Recently, rodent insulin transcription was also shown in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus. The specific regulatory elements of the P13K pathway in these insulin-expressing tissues that contribute to growth and metabolism in higher organisms are unknown. Here, we report PTEN as a critical determinant of body size and glucose metabolism when targeting is driven by the rat insulin promoter in mice. Partial deletion of PTEN in hypothalamus resulted in significant whole body growth restriction and increased insulin sensitivity. Efficient PTEN deletion in beta cells led to increased islet mass without compromise of beta cell function. Parallel enhancement in P13K signaling was found in PTEN-deficient hypothalamus and beta cells. Together, we have shown that PTEN in the insulin transcribing cells may play an integrative role in regulating growth and metabolism in vivo.
Notes: Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-03, page: 1397.

Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Toronto, 2006.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

ROBARTS MICROTEXT copy on microfiche.