β-Cell Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Controlling Insulin Secretion and Exocytotic Machinery: c-Kit and Insulin Receptor

Endocrinology. 2018 Nov 1;159(11):3813-3821. doi: 10.1210/en.2018-00716.

Abstract

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is initiated through channel-mediated depolarization, cytoskeletal remodeling, and vesicle tethering at the cell membrane, all of which can be regulated through cell surface receptors. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) promote β-cell development and postnatal signaling to improve β-cell mass and function, yet their activation has also been shown to initiate exocytotic events in β-cells. This review examines the role of RTK signaling in insulin secretion, with a focus on RTKs c-Kit and insulin receptor (IR). Pathways that control insulin release and the potential interplay between c-Kit and IR signaling are discussed, along with clinical implications of RTK therapy on insulin secretion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytoskeleton
  • Exocytosis / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Insulin Secretion / physiology*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Islets of Langerhans Transplantation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit / metabolism*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism*
  • Receptor, Insulin / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor, Insulin

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