A cryptic non-GPI-anchored cytosolic isoform of CD59 controls insulin exocytosis in pancreatic β-cells by interaction with SNARE proteins
CD59 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface inhibitor of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC). We showed previously that CD59 is highly expressed in pancreatic islets but is down-regulated in rodent models of diabetes. CD59 knockdown but not enzymatic removal of cell surface CD59 led to a loss of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), suggesting that an intrace