Identification of the 64K autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes as the GABA-synthesizing enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase

Nature. 1990 Sep 13;347(6289):151-6. doi: 10.1038/347151a0.

Abstract

The pancreatic islet beta-cell autoantigen of relative molecular mass 64,000 (64K), which is a major target of autoantibodies associated with the development of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) has been identified as glutamic acid decarboxylase, the biosynthesizing enzyme of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Pancreatic beta cells and a subpopulation of central nervous system neurons express high levels of this enzyme. Autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase with a higher titre and increased epitope recognition compared with those usually associated with IDDM are found in stiff-man syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by a high coincidence with IDDM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Autoantibodies / analysis
  • Autoantibodies / immunology
  • Autoantigens / analysis*
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental / immunology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology*
  • Epitopes / immunology
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase / immunology*
  • Immunosorbent Techniques
  • Islets of Langerhans / enzymology
  • Islets of Langerhans / immunology
  • Molecular Weight
  • Nervous System Diseases / immunology
  • Rats
  • Syndrome
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / biosynthesis*

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Autoantigens
  • Epitopes
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Glutamate Decarboxylase