Targeting neuronal PAS domain protein 2 and KN motif/ankyrin repeat domains 1: Advances in type 2 diabetes therapy

Figure 1 Roles of NPAS2 and KANK1 in β-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. Figure depicts the key roles of NPAS2 and KANK1 in the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells, a key event in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The expression of NPAS2, a transcription factor, is upregulated in the islet β-cells of patients with T2D, leading to the upregulation of KANK1 expression. KANK1 disrupts the structural and functional integrity of β-cells by impairing cell adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics. The interaction between NPAS2 and KANK1 contributes to β-cell apoptosis and impaired insulin secretion, thereby promoting the progression of T2D. This pathway highlights NPAS2 and KANK1 as potential therapeutic targets for preserving β-cell function and improving diabetes management.