Publication by Jing Xue et al.: CDK8 Regulates Insulin Secretion and Mediates Postnatal and Stress-Induced Expression of Neuropeptides in Pancreatic β Cells

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) contribute to vital cellular processes including cell cycle regulation. Loss of CDKs is associated with impaired insulin secretion and beta cell survival. Xue et al. demonstrate that CDK8 regulates insulin secretion via phosphorylation of OSBPL3. They also reveal developmental and metabolic stress-induced roles of CDK8 in beta cell function and survival that are in part mediated through de novo expression of neuropeptides.