Yi, PengPark, Ji SunMelton, Douglas2017-06-092013Yi, Peng, Ji-Sun Park, and Douglas A. Melton. 2013. “Betatrophin: A Hormone That Controls Pancreatic β Cell Proliferation.” Cell 153 (4) (May): 747–758. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2013.04.008. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2013.04.008.0092-8674http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:32969830Replenishing insulin-producing pancreatic β cell mass will benefit both type I and type II diabetics. In adults, pancreatic β cells are generated primarily by self-duplication. We report on a mouse model of insulin resistance that induces dramatic pancreatic β cell proliferation and β cell mass expansion. Using this model, we identify a hormone, betatrophin, that is primarily expressed in liver and fat. Expression of betatrophin correlates with β cell proliferation in other mouse models of insulin resistance and during gestation. Transient expression of betatrophin in mouse liver significantly and specifically promotes pancreatic β cell proliferation, expands β cell mass, and improves glucose tolerance. Thus, betatrophin treatment could augment or replace insulin injections by increasing the number of endogenous insulin-producing cells in diabetics.en-USJournal Article2014-02-07Yi P, Park JS, Melton, DA10.1016/j.cell.2013.04.008