Abstract
The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor NeuroD1 regulates cell fate in the nervous system but previously has not been considered to function similarly in the endocrine pancreas due to its reported expression in all islet cell types in the newborn mouse. Because we found that NeuroD1 potently represses somatostatin expression in vitro, its pattern of expression was examined in both strains of mice in which lacZ has been introduced into the NeuroD1 locus by homologous recombination. Analysis of adult transgenic mice revealed that NeuroD1 is predominantly expressed in beta-cells and either absent or expressed below the limit of lacZ detection in mature alpha-, delta-, or PP cells. Consistent with a previous report, NeuroD1 colocalizes with glucagon as well as insulin in immature islets of the newborn mouse. However, no colocalization of NeuroD1with somatostatin was detected in the newborn. In vitro, ectopic expression of NeuroD1 in TRM-6/PDX-1, a human pancreatic delta-cell line, resulted in potent repression of somatostatin concomitant with induction of the beta-cell hormones insulin and islet amyloid polypeptide. Additionally, NeuroD1 induced expression of Nkx2.2, a transcription factor expressed in beta- but not delta-cells. Transfection studies using insulin and somatostatin promoters confirm the ability of NeuroD1 to act as both a transcriptional repressor and activator in the same cell, suggesting a more complex role for NeuroD1 in the establishment and/or maintenance of mature endocrine cells than has been recognized previously.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Aging / physiology
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Amyloid / metabolism
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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Cell Line
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DNA / metabolism
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DNA-Binding Proteins / chemistry
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DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
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DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
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Gene Expression Profiling*
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Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.2
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Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
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Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
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Humans
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Insulin / genetics
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Islets of Langerhans / cytology
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Islets of Langerhans / metabolism
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Mice
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
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Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
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Nuclear Proteins
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Pancreas / cytology
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Pancreas / growth & development
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Pancreas / metabolism*
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Promoter Regions, Genetic / genetics
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Repressor Proteins / chemistry
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Repressor Proteins / genetics
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Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
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Somatostatin / genetics
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Somatostatin / metabolism
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Trans-Activators / chemistry
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Trans-Activators / genetics
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Trans-Activators / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Transcription, Genetic / genetics
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Zebrafish Proteins
Substances
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Amyloid
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Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors
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DNA-Binding Proteins
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Homeobox Protein Nkx-2.2
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Homeodomain Proteins
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Insulin
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NKX2-2 protein, human
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Nkx2-2 protein, mouse
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Nuclear Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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Zebrafish Proteins
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nkx2.2b protein, zebrafish
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pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 protein
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Neurogenic differentiation factor 1
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Somatostatin
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DNA