Beta cell-specific PAK1 enrichment ameliorates diet-induced glucose intolerance by promoting insulin biogenesis and minimizing beta cell apoptosis [RNA-Seq]

Aims/ hypothesis: p21 (Cdc42/Rac1) activated Kinase 1 (PAK1) is depleted in type 2 diabetic human islets compared to non-diabetic (ND) human islets, and acute PAK1 restoration to type 2 diabetic human islets can restore insulin secretory function ex vivo. We hypothesized that beta cell specific PAK1 enrichment in vivo carries the capacity to mitigate high-fat diet-induced glucose intolerance by increasing the functional beta cell mass. Methods: Type 2 diabetic or ND human islets expressing exogenous PAK1 specifically in beta cells were used for bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). Human EndoC- Overall design: Type 2 diabetic or ND human islets expressing exogenous PAK1 specifically in beta cells were used for bulk RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), to investigate differential gene expression. Islets from ND and type 2 diabetes human donors were transduced at 100 MOI with Ad-RIP Ctrl or Ad-RIP-hPAK1 for 1 hr at 37 degrees C. Transduced islets were then washed twice and incubated for 48 hrs in CMRL medium.