A requirement for pak1 to support mitochondrial function and maintain cellular redox balance via electron transport chain proteins to prevent β-cell apoptosis

p21 (Cdc42/Rac1) activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) is a candidate susceptibility factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D). PAK1 is depleted in the islets from T2D donors, compared to control individuals. In addition, whole-body PAK1 knock out (PAK1-KO) in mice worsens the T2D-like effects of high-fat diet. The current study tested the effects of modulating PAK1 levels only in β-cells.
Source: Metabolism - Clinical and Experimental - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research