FXR-regulated COX6A2 triggers mitochondrial apoptosis of pancreatic β-cell in type 2 diabetes.

Pancreatic β-cell apoptosis plays a crucial role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6A2 (COX6A2) and Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) have been identified in pancreatic β-cells, however, whether they are involved in β-cell apoptosis is unclear. Here, we sought to investigate the role of FXR-regulated COX6A2 in diabetic β-cell apoptosis.

Increased COX6A2 Promotes Pancreatic β-Cell Apoptosis and Is Suppressed in Diabetic GK Rats After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6A2 (COX6A2) expression is increased in diabetic islets. Increased COX6A2 promotes β-cell apoptosis via modulation of cyclophilin D-mediated cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm. Carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein epigenetically regulates COX6A2 expression in β-cells.