Neuronal traits are required for glucose-induced insulin secretion

AbstractThe transcriptional repressor RE1 silencer transcription factor (REST) is an important factor that restricts some neuronal traits to neurons. Since these traits are also present in pancreatic β-cells, we evaluated their role by generating a model of insulin-secreting cells that express REST. The presence of REST led to a decrease in expression of its known target genes, whereas insulin expression and its cellular content were conserved. As a consequence of REST expression, the capacity to secrete insulin in response to mitochondrial fuels, a particularity of mature β-cells, was impaired. These data provide evidence that REST target genes are required for an appropriate glucose-induced insulin secretion