Nitric oxide induces ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein-dependent γH2AX protein formation in pancreatic β cells

Abstract

Background: The mechanisms that control β cell fate following cytokine- and nitric oxide-induced damage remain unknown. Results: Cytokine-induced nitric oxide activates ATM and ATM-dependent caspase activation in β cells. Conclusion: ATM regulates the induction of apoptosis in cytokine-treated β cells. Significance: These studies define a role for DNA damage and ATM activation in nitric oxide-induced β cell apoptosis. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.