Author(s): Lan Su, Maura Knapp, Rongxue Wu
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT), also known as hypoxia-inducible factor-1 beta
(HIF-1β), is a transcription factor that functions as a master regulator of glucose homeostasis. We have
previously demonstrated that ARNT expression is highest in the heart, where it is required for
maintaining normal cardiac metabolism and cardiac function. Diabetes is associated with a loss of
ARNT, although the specific role of ARNT in the diabetic heart is still unknown. Diabetes is also
characterized by endothelial dysfunction. Thus, investigating the role of endothelial ARNT in diabetic
cardiovascular disease could lead to new therapies for treatment or prevention.