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Transcription factors regulate gene expression through binding to specific enhancer sequences. Pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX1), Neurogenin-3 (NEUROG3), and V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA) are transcription factors critical for beta cell development and maturation. NEUROG3 is expressed in endocrine progenitor cells and controls islet differentiation and regeneration. PDX1 is essential for the development of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine cells including beta cells. PDX1 also binds to the regulatory elements and increases insulin gene transcription. Likewise, MAFA binds to the enhancer/promoter region of the insulin gene and drives insulin expression in response to glucose. In addition to those natural roles in beta cell development and maturation, ectopic expression of PDX1, NEUROG3, and/or MAFA has been successfully used to reprogram various cell types into insulin-producing cells in vitro and in vivo, such as pancreatic exocrine cells, hepatocytes, and pluripotent stem cells. Here, we review biological properties of PDX1, NEUROG3, and MAFA, and their applications and limitations for beta cell regenerative approaches. The primary source literature for this review was acquired using a PubMed search for articles published between 1990 and 2017. Search terms include diabetes, insulin, trans-differentiation, stem cells, and regenerative medicine.

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====================================================== Transcription regulators for beta cell development

Transcription factors control gene expression by interacting with enhancer sequences. The transcription factors pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX1), Neurogenin-3 (NEUROG3), and V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (MAFA) are required for beta cell growth and differentiation. NEUROG3 governs islet differentiation and restoration and is expressed in endocrine progenitor cells. PDX1 is required for the formation of exocrine and endocrine cells in the pancreas, especially beta cells. PDX1 also attaches to regulatory regions, causing insulin gene transcription to rise. Similarly, MAFA binds to the insulin gene's enhancer/promoter region and stimulates insulin production in response to glucose. PDX1, NEUROG3, and/or MAFA have been effectively used to convert numerous cell types into insulin-producing cells in vitro and in vivo, including pancreatic exocrine cells, hepatocytes, and pluripotent stem cells, in addition to their natural roles in beta cell formation and maturation. In this paper, we look at the biological features of PDX1, NEUROG3, and MAFA, as well as their applications and limitations in beta cell regeneration. A PubMed search for papers published between 1990 and 2017 was used to find the primary source literature for this review. Diabetes, insulin, trans-differentiation, stem cells, and regenerative medicine are all search phrases.