Pancreatic β cell enhancers regulate rhythmic transcription of genes controlling insulin secretion

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aac4250
• Publication Date: 2015-11-05T19:19:28Z
• Authors: Mark Perelis; Biliana Marcheva; Kathryn Moynihan ...; Matthew J. Schipma; Alan L. Hutchison; Akihiko Taguchi; Clara Bien Peek; Heekyung Hong; Wenyu Huang; Chiaki Omura; Amanda L. Allred; Christopher A. Br...; Aaron R. Dinner; Grant D. Barish; Joseph Bass
• Keywords: Homeodomain Proteins; Male; Transcription, Genetic; ARNTL Transcription Factors; CLOCK Proteins; Exocytosis; Circadian Rhythm; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice; Enhancer Elements, Genetic; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Gene Expression Regulation; Liver; Insulin-Secreting Cells; Glucose Intolerance; Insulin Secretion; Trans-Activators; Animals; Humans; Insulin

The clockwork of insulin release

In healthy people, blood glucose levels are maintained within a narrow range by several physiological mechanisms. Key among them is the release of the hormone insulin by pancreatic β cells, which occurs when glucose levels rise after a meal. In response to insulin, blood glucose is taken up by tissues that need fuel, such as muscle. β cells can anticipate the body's varying demand for insulin throughout the 24-hour day because they have their own circadian clock. How this clock controls insulin release has been unclear. Perelis et al. now show that the activity of transcriptional enhancers specific to β cells regulates the rhythmic expression of genes involved in the assembly and trafficking of insulin secretory vesicles (see the Perspective by Dibner and Schibler).

Science , this issue p. 10.1126/science.aac4250 ; see also p. 628