NEUROG3transkriptiofaktorista

NEUROG3, also known as neurogenin-3, is a basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor encoded by the NEUROG3 gene. It plays a central role in the differentiation of endocrine progenitor cells in the developing pancreas and intestine. In the pancreas, NEUROG3 is expressed transiently in multipotent pancreatic progenitors that commit to the endocrine lineage, giving rise to the pancreatic islet cell types, including insulin-producing beta cells, glucagon-producing alpha cells, and other hormone-secreting cells. In the gut, NEUROG3 is essential for the formation of enteroendocrine cells, which produce gut hormones that regulate digestion and metabolism.

Regulation: NEUROG3 expression is regulated by signaling pathways such as Notch; withdrawal of Notch signaling allows NEUROG3 upregulation, promoting endocrine differentiation. The protein acts as a master regulator by activating downstream endocrine programs, including NEUROD1 and PAX6, and repressing alternative exocrine fates.

Genetic evidence: In mice lacking NEUROG3, there is an absence of pancreatic endocrine cells, resulting in severe endocrine insufficiency. In humans, rare NEUROG3 mutations cause congenital disorders characterized by neonatal diabetes and congenital malabsorptive diarrhea due to a deficiency of pancreatic endocrine cells and intestinal enteroendocrine cells.

Clinical and research relevance: NEUROG3 is a key target in stem cell-based strategies to generate insulin-producing cells for diabetes therapy. Understanding its regulation helps illuminate developmental pancreas biology and gut endocrinology.