Pancreatic β-cell rescue in diabetes by targeting Merlin

Figures & data

Figure 1. Our view how Merlin/NF2 regulates β-cell apoptosis.

Through still unknown up-stream mechanism(s), a diabetogenic milieu activates the Hippo pathway in β-cells. Then, Merlin/NF2 initiates Hippo signaling by either direct activation of the MST1–Sav1 complex and subsequent MST1-induced LATS1/2 phosphorylation and activation (1; classical model) or direct activation of LATS1/2 (2; alternative model). This results in collective transcriptional and post-transcriptional events leading to β-cell apoptosis and impaired function.