Islet homeostasis protein (IHoP) (IHoP)

Islet homeostasis protein (IHoP), which has been identified as a form of the enzyme transketolase (TKT), is a functional protein primarily localized within the glucagon-producing alpha-cells of the pancreatic islets [1, 4]. It plays a critical role in maintaining glucose homeostasis by regulating the synthesis and secretion of glucagon, which in turn influences insulin production and the overall stability of the islet environment [4, 6]. Research indicates that while IHoP is present in healthy islets, its expression patterns shift during the progression of Type 1 Diabetes, appearing in infiltrating T-cells during the pre-diabetic phase and disappearing after disease onset [1, 2, 7]. Experimental studies have demonstrated that suppressing IHoP expression using siRNA can thwart the progression of diabetes in animal models, making it a potential therapeutic target [6, 10]. Furthermore, IHoP is being investigated as a non-invasive biomarker for monitoring pancreatic health and for the early detection of pancreatic cancer [5].

Other names

IHoPTransketolaseTKTUnnamed protein product (gi 26326929)

IHoP regulates glucagon synthesis and secretion in pancreatic alpha-cells; experimental suppression of IHoP using siRNA has been shown to prevent the progression of Type 1 Diabetes by modulating the islet's hormonal environment and potentially reducing autoimmune-mediated destruction.