INS-1 Cells

The INS-1 cell line is derived from an x-ray-created transplantable insulinoma in rats. Because INS-1 cells contain a high concentration of insulin and respond to changes in glucose levels, they are frequently used to study the function of beta cells. Growth and hormone expression are dependent on the reducing agent 2-mercaptoethanol. INS-1 cells are notable for their heterogeneity, consisting of mature insulin-positive cells and immature bi-hormonal cells expressing insulin and glucagon proteins. Bi-hormonal INS-1 cells have lower Nkx6.1 expression and lack alpha cell markers, indicating they are not fully matured. Furthermore, chronic glucose stimulation reduces insulin gene and protein expression in INS-1 cells. As such, insulin and proglucagon-derived peptides like GLP-1, GLP-2, and glucagon levels are reduced.