MIN6 Pancreatic Islet β-Cells (MIN6)

MIN6 cell line is a well-established and widely used mouse pancreatic beta-cell line that has been instrumental in research focused on understanding the biology of diabetes, insulin secretion, and beta-cell function. The MIN6 cell line was derived from insulinoma tumors in transgenic mice expressing the simian virus 40 T-antigen under the control of the rat insulin I promoter and was established in 1992 by Miyazaki et al.

These cells closely mimic the characteristics of primary pancreatic beta cells, making them a valuable in vitro model for studying the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and beta-cell physiology. The MIN6 cells exhibit glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in response to changes in glucose concentrations, similar to primary beta cells, which is a crucial feature for studying the regulation of insulin release.

Researchers commonly utilize the MIN6 cell line to investigate various aspects of beta-cell biology, including insulin synthesis and processing, glucose sensing, intracellular signaling pathways, and the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. By studying MIN6 cells, scientists aim to unravel the complex interplay between genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors that contribute to the development of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.