Research Article Open Access

PDX-1 and MafA: Key Transcription Factors in Pancreas

Hideaki Kaneto1, Takeshi Miyatsuka1, Yoshihisa Nakatani1 and Taka-aki Matsuoka1
  • 1 Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan

Abstract

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor-1 (PDX-1) plays a crucial role in pancreas development, β-cell differentiation and in maintaining normal β-cell function by regulating several β-cell-related genes including insulin. PDX-1 has potency to induce insulin-producing cells in non β-cells in various tissues such as pancreas and liver and PDX-1-VP16 fusion protein more efficiently induces insulin-producing cells, especially in the presence of NeuroD or Ngn3. MafA is a recently isolated β-cell-specific transcription factor and functions as a potent transactivator for the insulin gene. MafA markedly enhances insulin gene promoter activity and ameliorates glucose tolerance in diabetic mice, especially in the presence of PDX-1 and NeuroD. Taken together, PDX-1 and MafA play a crucial role in inducing insulin-producing cells and could be a therapeutic target for diabetes.

American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology
Volume 1 No. 2, 2005, 54-63

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajbbsp.2005.54.63

Submitted On: 25 March 2005 Published On: 30 June 2005

How to Cite: Kaneto, H., Miyatsuka, T., Nakatani, Y. & Matsuoka, T. (2005). PDX-1 and MafA: Key Transcription Factors in Pancreas. American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 1(2), 54-63. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajbbsp.2005.54.63

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Keywords

  • PDX-1
  • MafA
  • transcription factor
  • pancreatic b-cells
  • diabetes