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Β-Cell Adaptation To Decreased Nr4a Expression In Conditions Of Elevated Palmitate Concentrations (Hyperlipidemia), Daniel Lathen, Jeffery Tessem

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Diabetes’ prevalence is increasing at an alarming rate. Normally, insulin-secreting β-cells in the pancreas regulate proper glucose absorption and storage. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are characterized by decreased functional β-cell mass and insulin production and increased circulating glucose and fatty acid levels, which damage and destroy surviving β-cells over time. Though hyperlipidemia’s short-term effects are well studied, its long-term effects on β-cells remain unclear because it destroys them (1). We developed unique cell lines to mimic Type 2 diabetes’ progression by culturing INS-1 832/13 β-cells in progressively elevated concentrations of palmitate (a saturated fatty acid), which permitted …