WS6 induces R7T1 cell proliferation with EC50 of 0.28 μM, and promotes β cell proliferation in rodent and human primary islets. Both Erb3 binding protein-1 and the IκB kinase pathway are confirmed to function in the mechanism of action of WS6.
In vivo
In RIP-DTA mouse model of β cell ablation, WS6 (50 mg/kg p.o.) ameliorates diabetes, and induces concomitant increases in β cell proliferation and β cell number.