Mice with beta cell overexpression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β have reduced beta cell mass and proliferation

Aims/hypothesis Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several prevalent diseases, including diabetes. However, despite recent progress in our understanding of the role of GSK3 in the regulation of glucose metabolism in peripheral tissues, the involvement of GSK3 in islet beta cell growth and function in vivo is unknown. We therefore sought to determine whether over-activation of GSK3β would lead to alterations in islet beta cell mass and/or function.