| Description | We efficiently silenced circHIPK3 in both MIN6B1 cells and rat islets, resulting in an increase in apoptosis and in a negative impact on the proliferative capacity of the cells. Indeed, prolactin failed to stimulate proliferation of MIN6B1 and primary beta-cells containing lower levels of this circRNA. Furthermore, upon silencing of circHIPK3, insulin secretion in response to glucose was impaired and Insulin mRNA levels were significantly lower.This resulted in a decrease in insulin content in MIN6B1 cells, but not in rat islets. circHIPK3 regulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, insulin biosynthesis, proliferation, and apoptosis by affecting the expression of key genes associated with these functions. |