Methods of Modulating Beta Cell Function

Abstract

Methods of modulating pancreatic function by modulating MCH signaling in a beta cell.

1 . A method of modulating β cell function or development, the method comprising contacting a β cell with an effective amount of an agonist of melanocyte concentrating hormone (MCH), wherein the agonist comprises MCH or a peptide analog of MCH comprising the sequence VYRPC (amino acids 12-16 of SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the agonist has MCH activity in a fish skin teleost bioassay. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agonist increases one or more of: insulin secretion, β cell size, or β cell growth. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the agonist is contacted with the β cell in vitro. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising implanting the cell into a subject. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the subject is a living mammal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the mammal is a human. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the mammal is at risk for or has an insulin related disorder. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the subject is a non-human animal. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the animal is an animal model of an insulin related disorder. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the β cell is in an isolated pancreatic tissue. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the isolated pancreatic tissue comprises an islet or islet equivalent. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the β cell is autologous to the subject. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the agonist is contacted with the β cell in vivo. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the β cell is in a living mammal. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the mammal is a human. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the mammal is at risk for or has an insulin related disorder. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the β cell is in a non-human animal. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the animal is an animal model of an insulin related disorder.