Stable overexpression of p8 increases survival of INS-1E beta cells in response to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced beta cell damage in vitro

Within the pancreas, p8 expression is induced by pancreatitis and protects exocrine tissue from inflammatory damage. In previous work, we investigated the role of p8 within the endocrine pancreas and characterised p8 as a glucose-dependent mediator of beta cell proliferation. Here we investigate the cell protective properties of p8 in response to STZ treatment in INS-1E beta cells. Exposure of native INS-1E to STZ displays a dose-dependent upregulation of p8 gene expression and a 24h LD 50 of about 0.7 mM STZ. Initial data from transiently transfected INS-1E beta cells overexpressing p8 demonstrate increased sur…