Germline and conditional ghrelin knockout increases islet size
Sean M. Tatum, William L. Holland
Sean M. Tatum, William L. Holland
Published December 15, 2023
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2023;133(24):e175799. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI175799.
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Commentary

Germline and conditional ghrelin knockout increases islet size

Abstract

Conflicting studies in recent years report that genetic or pharmacological increases or decreases in ghrelin either increase or have no effect on islet size. In this issue of the JCI, Gupta, Burstein, and colleagues applied a rigorous approach to determine the effects of reducing ghrelin on islet size in germline and conditional ghrelin-knockout mice as well as across varying ages and weight. Both germline and conditional ghrelin-knockout mice associated with increased islet size, which was further exacerbated by older age and diet-induced obesity. These findings suggest that modulation of ghrelin may open a therapeutic window to prevent or treat diabetes.

Authors

Sean M. Tatum, William L. Holland

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Figure 1

Ghrelin affects pancreatic cell size.

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Ghrelin affects pancreatic cell size. Lean (juvenile and adult) and obes...
Lean (juvenile and adult) and obese ghrelin cell–knockout mice develop hypertrophied islets, β cells, and α cells. Single-cell RNA-Seq suggests that a subset of differentially expressed genes within the islet lead to elevated insulin secretion and glucose clearance.