βlinc1 encodes a long noncoding RNA that regulates islet β-cell formation and function

Pancreatic beta cells are responsible for maintaining glucose homeostasis; their absence or malfunction results in diabetes mellitus. Although there is evidence that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in development and disease, none have been investigated in vivo in the context of pancreas development. In this study, we demonstrate that beta linc1 (beta-cell long intergenic noncoding RNA 1), a conserved lncRNA, is necessary for the specification and function of insulin-producing beta-cells through the coordinated regulation of a number of islet-specific transcription factors located in the genomic vicinity of beta linc1. Furthermore, deletion of beta linc1 results in defective islet development and disruption of glucose homeostasis in adult mice.