The MODY1 gene HNF-4α regulates selected genes involved in insulin secretion

Rana K Gupta, Marko Z. Vatamaniuk, Catherine S. Lee, Reed C. Flaschen, James T. Fulmer, Franz M. Matschinsky, Stephen A. Duncan, Klaus H. Kaestner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

195 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mutations in the gene encoding hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) result in maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY). To determine the contribution of HNF-4α to the maintenance of glucose homeostasis by the β cell in vivo, we derived a conditional knockout of HNF-4α using the Cre-loxP system. Surprisingly, deletion of HNF-4α in β cells resulted in hyperinsulinemia in fasted and fed mice but paradoxically also in impaired glucose tolerance. Islet perifusion and calcium-imaging studies showed abnormal responses of the mutant β cells to stimulation by glucose and sulfonylureas. These phenotypes can be explained in part by a 60% reduction in expression of the potassium channel subunit Kir6.2. We demonstrate using cotransfection assays that the Kir6.2 gene is a transcriptional target of HNF-4α. Our data provide genetic evidence that HNF-4α is required in the pancreatic β cell for regulation of the pathway of insulin secretion dependent on the ATP-dependent potassium channel.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1006-1015
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation
Volume115
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2005

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The MODY1 gene HNF-4α regulates selected genes involved in insulin secretion'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this