Expression profiles in pancreatic islets from Wfs1-deficient mice

Wolfram syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus due to mutations in the WFS1 gene. The Wfs1-deficient mice exhibit selective β-cell loss and impaired insulin secretion. This phenotype is believed to be associated with an augmentation of ER stress, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To investigate the molecular basis of β-cell failure resulting from Wfs1 deficiency, we performed gene expression profiling analysis using data obtained from RNA-seq of Wfs1KO and WT islets. Pancreatic islets were isolated from 12-week-old male Wfs1KO and WT mice by ductal collagenase digestion of the pancreas, and then used for RNA-seq (n=4 for each genotype).