[PDF][PDF] LKB1 regulates pancreatic β cell size, polarity, and function

Z Granot, A Swisa, J Magenheim, M Stolovich-Rain… - Cell metabolism, 2009 - cell.com
Z Granot, A Swisa, J Magenheim, M Stolovich-Rain, W Fujimoto, E Manduchi, T Miki…
Cell metabolism, 2009cell.com
Pancreatic β cells, organized in the islets of Langerhans, sense glucose and secrete
appropriate amounts of insulin. We have studied the roles of LKB1, a conserved kinase
implicated in the control of cell polarity and energy metabolism, in adult β cells. LKB1-
deficient β cells show a dramatic increase in insulin secretion in vivo. Histologically, LKB1-
deficient β cells have striking alterations in the localization of the nucleus and cilia relative to
blood vessels, suggesting a shift from hepatocyte-like to columnar polarity. Additionally …
Summary
Pancreatic β cells, organized in the islets of Langerhans, sense glucose and secrete appropriate amounts of insulin. We have studied the roles of LKB1, a conserved kinase implicated in the control of cell polarity and energy metabolism, in adult β cells. LKB1-deficient β cells show a dramatic increase in insulin secretion in vivo. Histologically, LKB1-deficient β cells have striking alterations in the localization of the nucleus and cilia relative to blood vessels, suggesting a shift from hepatocyte-like to columnar polarity. Additionally, LKB1 deficiency causes a 65% increase in β cell volume. We show that distinct targets of LKB1 mediate these effects. LKB1 controls β cell size, but not polarity, via the mTOR pathway. Conversely, the precise position of the β cell nucleus, but not cell size, is controlled by the LKB1 target Par1b. Insulin secretion and content are restricted by LKB1, at least in part, via AMPK. These results expose a molecular mechanism, orchestrated by LKB1, for the coordinated maintenance of β cell size, form, and function.
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