English (United Kingdom)

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/featured_content/oa?rat=en

https://curated-unify.zendy.io/wp-json/zendy-region/v1/highlighted_journal/

Global: Zendy Plus annual

Presents the access of premium content as premium feature

Premium Content

Presents the keyphrase highlighting as premium feature

Keyphrase Highlighting

Presents the summarisation as premium feature

Summarisation

Insights

Presents the pdf analysis as premium feature

PDF Analysis

Presents the zaia usage as premium feature

ZAIA

Global: Zendy Tools annual

Global: Zendy Free Plan

Global: Zendy Tools monthly

Global: Zendy Plus monthly

Both pancreatic β-cell membranes and presynaptic active zones of neurons include in their structures similar protein complexes, which are responsible for mediating the secretion of bioactive molecules. In addition, these membrane-anchored proteins regulate interactions between neurons and guide the formation and maturation of synapses. These proteins include the neuroligins (e.g., NL-2) and their binding partners, the neurexins. The insulin secretion and maturation of β-cells is known to depend on their 3-dimensional (3D) arrangement. It was also reported that both insulin secretion and the proliferation rates of β-cells increase when cells are cocultured with clusters of NL-2. Use of full-length NL-2 or even its exocellular domain as potential β-cell functional enhancers is limited by the biostability and bioavailability issues common to all protein-based therapeutics. Thus, based on molecular modeling approaches, a short peptide with the potential ability to bind neurexins was derived from the NL-2 sequence. Here, we show that the NL-2-derived peptide conjugates onto innovative functional maghemite (γ-Fe 2 O 3 )-based nanoscale composite particles enhance β-cell functions in terms of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and protect them under stress conditions. Recruiting the β-cells' "neuron-like" secretory machinery as a target for diabetes treatment use has never been reported before. Such nanoscale composites might therefore provide a unique starting point for designing a novel class of antidiabetic therapeutic agents that possess a unique mechanism of action.

Mimicking Neuroligin-2 Functions in β-Cells by Functionalized Nanoparticles as a Novel Approach for Antidiabetic Therapy