The Role of PTHrP in Pancreatic Beta-Cells and Implications for Diabetes Pathophysiology and Treatment

• DOI: 10.1007/s12018-014-9168-3
• Publication Date: 2014-06-19T06:19:17Z
• Authors: Anaïs Mozar; Nagesha Guthalu K...; Ilana Pollack; Rafael Fenutria; Rupangi C. Vasavada
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; 3. Good health

Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases worldwide, with an immense economic and health burden attached. It is now well accepted that a deficiency of functional insulin-producing pancreatic beta-cells is the main cause for all forms of diabetes. Several approaches are being taken to increase functional beta-cell mass. These include differentiation of new beta-cells from stem cells or progenitor cells, transdifferentiation of beta-cells from other mature cell types, as well as finding ways to enhance the function, proliferation, survival, and regeneration of preexisting beta-cells. This article enumerates on the role of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and its mode of action on pancreatic beta-cell function, proliferation, and survival in rodents as well as in human beta-cells. A further understanding of the mechanism of action of PTHrP and its role in the normal physiology and pathophysiology of the beta-cell will be important for its potential use in future as a therapeutic treatment for diabetes.