Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript: a novel regulator of energy homeostasis expressed in a subpopulation of pancreatic islet cells

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia and its incidence is highly increased by exaggerated food consumption. It results from a lack of insulin action/production, but growing evidence suggests that it might also involve hyperglucagonaemia and impaired control of glucose homeostasis by the brain. In recent years, the cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides have generated a lot of interest in the battle against obesity because, via the brain, they exert anorexic effects and they increase energy expenditure. They are also localised, outside the brain, in discrete regions of the body and play a hormonal role in controlling various functions. In this issue of Diabetologia, the Wierup group (doi: 10.1007/s00125-016-4020-6 ) shows that CART peptides are expressed heterogeneously in islet cells of various species, including humans, and that their expression is upregulated in diabetes. The authors also shine a spotlight on some interesting effects of CART peptides on islet function, including stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon release. CART peptides would thus be at the centre of a cooperation between the brain and the endocrine pancreas to control glucose homeostasis. Although the mechanisms of action of CART peptides remain enigmatic because no specific receptor for these peptides has so far been discovered, their potential therapeutic use is evident and represents a new challenge for future research.

Paracrine nitric oxide induces expression of cardiac sarcomeric proteins in adult progenitor cells through soluble guanylyl cyclase/cyclic-guanosine monophosphate and Wnt/β-catenin inhibition

AIM

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) from adult hearts can differentiate to several cell types composing the myocardium but the underlying molecular pathways are poorly characterized. We examined the role of paracrine nitric oxide (NO) in the specification of CPC to the cardiac lineage, particularly through its inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a critical step preceding cardiac differentiation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sca1 + CPC from adult mouse hearts were isolated by magnetic-activated cell sorting and clonally expanded. Pharmacologic NO donors increased their expression of cardiac myocyte-specific sarcomeric proteins in a concentration and time-dependent manner. The optimal time window for NO efficacy coincided with up-regulation of CPC expression of Gucy1a3 (coding the alpha1 subunit of guanylyl cyclase). The effect of paracrine NO was reproduced in vitro upon co-culture of CPC with cardiac myocytes expressing a transgenic NOS3 (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and in vivo upon injection of CPC in infarcted hearts from cardiac-specific NOS3 transgenic mice. In mono- and co-cultures, this effect was abrogated upon inhibition of soluble guanylyl cyclase or nitric oxide synthase, and was lost in CPC genetically deficient in Gucy1a3. Mechanistically, NO inhibits the constitutive activity of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin in CPC and in cell reporter assays in a guanylyl cyclase-dependent fashion. This was paralleled with decreased expression of β-catenin and down-regulation of Wnt target genes in CPC and abrogated in CPC with a stabilized, non-inhibitable β-catenin.

CONCLUSIONS

Exogenous or paracrine sources of NO promote the specification towards the myocyte lineage and expression of cardiac sarcomeric proteins of adult CPC. This is contingent upon the expression and activity of the alpha1 subunit of guanylyl cyclase in CPC that is necessary for NO-mediated inhibition of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Inter-domain tagging implicates caveolin-1 in insulin receptor trafficking and Erk signaling bias in pancreatic beta-cells

OBJECTIVE

The role and mechanisms of insulin receptor internalization remain incompletely understood. Previous trafficking studies of insulin receptors involved fluorescent protein tagging at their termini, manipulations that may be expected to result in dysfunctional receptors. Our objective was to determine the trafficking route and molecular mechanisms of functional tagged insulin receptors and endogenous insulin receptors in pancreatic beta-cells.

METHODS

We generated functional insulin receptors tagged with pH-resistant fluorescent proteins between domains. Confocal, TIRF and STED imaging revealed a trafficking pattern of inter-domain tagged insulin receptors and endogenous insulin receptors detected with antibodies.

RESULTS

Surprisingly, interdomain-tagged and endogenous insulin receptors in beta-cells bypassed classical Rab5a- or Rab7-mediated endocytic routes. Instead, we found that removal of insulin receptors from the plasma membrane involved tyrosine-phosphorylated caveolin-1, prior to trafficking within flotillin-1-positive structures to lysosomes. Multiple methods of inhibiting caveolin-1 significantly reduced Erk activation in vitro or in vivo, while leaving Akt signaling mostly intact.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that phosphorylated caveolin-1 plays a role in insulin receptor internalization towards lysosomes through flotillin-1-positive structures and that caveolin-1 helps bias physiological beta-cell insulin signaling towards Erk activation.

Involvement of nitric oxide in iodine deficiency-induced microvascular remodeling in the thyroid gland: role of nitric oxide synthase 3 and ryanodine receptors

Iodine deficiency (ID) induces microvascular changes in the thyroid gland via a TSH-independent reactive oxygen species-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in this pathway and the role of calcium (Ca(2+)) and of ryanodine receptors (RYRs) in NO synthase 3 (NOS3) activation were investigated in a murine model of goitrogenesis and in 3 in vitro models of ID, including primary cultures of human thyrocytes. ID activated NOS3 and the production of NO in thyrocytes in vitro and increased the thyroid blood flow in vivo. Using bevacizumab (a blocking antibody against VEGF-A) in mice, it appeared that NOS3 is activated upstream of VEGF-A. L-nitroarginine methyl ester (a NOS inhibitor) blocked the ID-induced increase in thyroid blood flow in vivo and NO production in vitro, as well as ID-induced VEGF-A mRNA and HIF-1α expression in vitro, whereas S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (a NO donor) did the opposite. Ca(2+) is involved in this pathway as intracellular Ca(2+) flux increased after ID, and thapsigargin activated NOS3 and increased VEGF-A mRNA expression. Two of the 3 known mammalian RYR isoforms (RYR1 and RYR2) were shown to be expressed in thyrocytes. RYR inhibition using ryanodine at 10μM decreased ID-induced NOS3 activation, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A expression, whereas RYR activation with ryanodine at 1nM increased NOS3 activation and VEGF-A mRNA expression. In conclusion, during the early phase of TSH-independent ID-induced microvascular activation, ID sequentially activates RYRs and NOS3, thereby supporting ID-induced activation of the NO/HIF-1α/VEGF-A pathway in thyrocytes.

AMPK activation by glucagon-like peptide-1 prevents NADPH oxidase activation induced by hyperglycemia in adult cardiomyocytes

Exposure of cardiomyocytes to high glucose concentrations (HG) stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by NADPH oxidase (NOX2). NOX2 activation is triggered by enhanced glucose transport through a sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) but not by a stimulation of glucose metabolism. The aim of this work was to identify potential therapeutic approaches to counteract this glucotoxicity. In cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes incubated with 21 mM glucose (HG), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation by A769662 or phenformin nearly suppressed ROS production. Interestingly, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a new antidiabetic drug, concomitantly induced AMPK activation and prevented the HG-mediated ROS production (maximal effect at 100 nM). α2-AMPK, the major isoform expressed in cardiomyocytes (but not α1-AMPK), was activated in response to GLP-1. Anti-ROS properties of AMPK activators were not related to changes in glucose uptake or glycolysis. Using in situ proximity ligation assay, we demonstrated that AMPK activation prevented the HG-induced p47phox translocation to caveolae, whatever the AMPK activators used. NOX2 activation by either α-methyl-d-glucopyranoside, a glucose analog transported through SGLT, or angiotensin II was also counteracted by GLP-1. The crucial role of AMPK in limiting HG-mediated NOX2 activation was demonstrated by overexpressing a constitutively active form of α2-AMPK using adenoviral infection. This overexpression prevented NOX2 activation in response to HG, whereas GLP-1 lost its protective action in α2-AMPK-deficient mouse cardiomyocytes. Under HG, the GLP-1/AMPK pathway inhibited PKC-β2 phosphorylation, a key element mediating p47phox translocation. In conclusion, GLP-1 induces α2-AMPK activation and blocks HG-induced p47phox translocation to the plasma membrane, thereby preventing glucotoxicity.

Pancreatic and duodenal homeobox protein 1 (Pdx-1) maintains endoplasmic reticulum calcium levels through transcriptional regulation of sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2b (SERCA2b) in the islet β cell

Although the pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (Pdx-1) transcription factor is known to play an indispensable role in β cell development and secretory function, recent data also implicate Pdx-1 in the maintenance of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) health. The sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase 2b (SERCA2b) pump maintains a steep Ca(2+) gradient between the cytosol and ER lumen. In models of diabetes, our data demonstrated loss of β cell Pdx-1 that occurs in parallel with altered SERCA2b expression, whereas in silico analysis of the SERCA2b promoter revealed multiple putative Pdx-1 binding sites. We hypothesized that Pdx-1 loss under inflammatory and diabetic conditions leads to decreased SERCA2b levels and activity with concomitant alterations in ER health. To test this, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Pdx-1 was performed in INS-1 cells. The results revealed reduced SERCA2b expression and decreased ER Ca(2+), which was measured using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. Cotransfection of human Pdx-1 with a reporter fused to the human SERCA2 promoter increased luciferase activity 3- to 4-fold relative to an empty vector control, and direct binding of Pdx-1 to the proximal SERCA2 promoter was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. To determine whether restoration of SERCA2b could rescue ER stress induced by Pdx-1 loss, Pdx1(+/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet. Isolated islets demonstrated an increased spliced-to-total Xbp1 ratio, whereas SERCA2b overexpression reduced the Xbp1 ratio to that of wild-type controls. Together, these results identify SERCA2b as a novel transcriptional target of Pdx-1 and define a role for altered ER Ca(2+) regulation in Pdx-1-deficient states.

Glucose regulation of glucagon secretion

Glucagon secreted by pancreatic α-cells is the major hyperglycemic hormone correcting acute hypoglycaemia (glucose counterregulation). In diabetes the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia becomes compromised and chronic hyperglucagonemia appears. There is increasing awareness that glucagon excess may underlie important manifestations of diabetes. However opinions differ widely how glucose controls glucagon secretion. The autonomous nervous system plays an important role in the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia. But it is clear that glucose controls glucagon secretion also by mechanisms involving direct effects on α-cells or indirect effects via paracrine factors released from non-α-cells within the pancreatic islets. The present review discusses these mechanisms and argues that different regulatory processes are involved in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. Direct glucose effects on the α-cell and autocrine mechanisms are probably most significant for the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia. During hyperglycaemia, when secretion from β- and δ-cells is stimulated, paracrine inhibitory factors generate pulsatile glucagon release in opposite phase to pulsatile release of insulin and somatostatin. High concentrations of glucose have also stimulatory effects on glucagon secretion that tend to balance and even exceed the inhibitory influence. The latter actions might underlie the paradoxical hyperglucagonemia that aggravates hyperglycaemia in persons with diabetes.

Tolbutamide controls glucagon release from mouse islets differently than glucose: involvement of K(ATP) channels from both α-cells and δ-cells

We evaluated the role of ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K(ATP)) channels, somatostatin, and Zn²⁺ in the control of glucagon secretion from mouse islets. Switching from 1 to 7 mmol/L glucose inhibited glucagon release. Diazoxide did not reverse the glucagonostatic effect of glucose. Tolbutamide decreased glucagon secretion at 1 mmol/L glucose (G1) but stimulated it at 7 mmol/L glucose (G7). The reduced glucagon secretion produced by high concentrations of tolbutamide or diazoxide, or disruption of K(ATP) channels (Sur1(-/-) mice) at G1 could be inhibited further by G7. Removal of the somatostatin paracrine influence (Sst(-/-) mice or pretreatement with pertussis toxin) strongly increased glucagon release, did not prevent the glucagonostatic effect of G7, and unmasked a marked glucagonotropic effect of tolbutamide. Glucose inhibited glucagon release in the absence of functional K(ATP) channels and somatostatin signaling. Knockout of the Zn²⁺ transporter ZnT8 (ZnT8(-/-) mice) did not prevent the glucagonostatic effect of glucose. In conclusion, glucose can inhibit glucagon release independently of Zn²⁺, K(ATP) channels, and somatostatin. Closure of K(ATP) channels controls glucagon secretion by two mechanisms, a direct stimulation of α-cells and an indirect inhibition via somatostatin released from δ-cells. The net effect on glucagon release results from a balance between both effects.

UCP2 regulates the glucagon response to fasting and starvation

Glucagon is important for maintaining euglycemia during fasting/starvation, and abnormal glucagon secretion is associated with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; however, the mechanisms of hypoglycemia-induced glucagon secretion are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that global deletion of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2(-/-)) in mice impaired glucagon secretion from isolated islets. Therefore, UCP2 may contribute to the regulation of hypoglycemia-induced glucagon secretion, which is supported by our current finding that UCP2 expression is increased in nutrient-deprived murine and human islets. Further to this, we created α-cell-specific UCP2 knockout (UCP2AKO) mice, which we used to demonstrate that blood glucose recovery in response to hypoglycemia is impaired owing to attenuated glucagon secretion. UCP2-deleted α-cells have higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to enhanced mitochondrial coupling, which translated into defective stimulus/secretion coupling. The effects of UCP2 deletion were mimicked by the UCP2 inhibitor genipin on both murine and human islets and also by application of exogenous ROS, confirming that changes in oxidative status and electrical activity directly reduce glucagon secretion. Therefore, α-cell UCP2 deletion perturbs the fasting/hypoglycemic glucagon response and shows that UCP2 is necessary for normal α-cell glucose sensing and the maintenance of euglycemia.

In situ electrophysiological examination of pancreatic α cells in the streptozotocin-induced diabetes model, revealing the cellular basis of glucagon hypersecretion

Early-stage type 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibits hyperglucagonemia by undefined cellular mechanisms. Here we characterized α-cell voltage-gated ion channels in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes model that lead to increased glucagon secretion mimicking T1D. GYY mice expressing enhanced yellow fluorescence protein in α cells were used to identify α cells within pancreas slices. Mice treated with low-dose STZ exhibited hyperglucagonemia, hyperglycemia, and glucose intolerance, with 71% reduction of β-cell mass. Although α-cell mass of STZ-treated mice remained unchanged, total pancreatic glucagon content was elevated, coinciding with increase in size of glucagon granules. Pancreas tissue slices enabled in situ examination of α-cell electrophysiology. α cells of STZ-treated mice exhibited the following: 1) increased exocytosis (serial depolarization-induced capacitance), 2) enhanced voltage-gated Na(+) current density, 3) reduced voltage-gated K(+) current density, and 4) increased action potential (AP) amplitude and firing frequency. Hyperglucagonemia in STZ-induced diabetes is thus likely due to increased glucagon content arising from enlarged glucagon granules and increased AP firing frequency and amplitude coinciding with enhanced Na(+) and reduced K(+) currents. These alterations may prime α cells in STZ-treated mice for more glucagon release per cell in response to low glucose stimulation. Thus, our study provides the first insight that STZ treatment sensitizes release mechanisms of α cells.

Frequency-dependent mitochondrial Ca(2+) accumulation regulates ATP synthesis in pancreatic β cells

Pancreatic β cells respond to increases in glucose concentration with enhanced metabolism, the closure of ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels and electrical spiking. The latter results in oscillatory Ca²⁺ influx through voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels and the activation of insulin release. The relationship between changes in cytosolic and mitochondrial free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_cyt and [Ca²⁺]_mit, respectively) during these cycles is poorly understood. Importantly, the activation of Ca²⁺-sensitive intramitochondrial dehydrogenases, occurring alongside the stimulation of ATP consumption required for Ca²⁺ pumping and other processes, may exert complex effects on cytosolic ATP/ADP ratios and hence insulin secretion. To explore the relationship between these parameters in single primary β cells, we have deployed cytosolic (Fura red, Indo1) or green fluorescent protein-based recombinant-targeted (Pericam, 2mt8RP for mitochondria; D4ER for the ER) probes for Ca²⁺ and cytosolic ATP/ADP (Perceval) alongside patch-clamp electrophysiology. We demonstrate that: (1) blockade of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake by shRNA-mediated silencing of the uniporter MCU attenuates glucose- and essentially blocks tolbutamide-stimulated, insulin secretion; (2) during electrical stimulation, mitochondria decode cytosolic Ca²⁺ oscillation frequency as stable increases in [Ca²⁺]_mit and cytosolic ATP/ADP; (3) mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake rates remained constant between individual spikes, arguing against activity-dependent regulation (“plasticity”) and (4) the relationship between [Ca²⁺]_cyt and [Ca²⁺]_mit is essentially unaffected by changes in endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_ER). Our findings thus highlight new aspects of Ca²⁺ signalling in β cells of relevance to the actions of both glucose and sulphonylureas.

The mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter MCU is essential for glucose-induced ATP increases in pancreatic β-cells

Glucose induces insulin release from pancreatic β-cells by stimulating ATP synthesis, membrane depolarisation and Ca²⁺ influx. As well as activating ATP-consuming processes, cytosolic Ca²⁺ increases may also potentiate mitochondrial ATP synthesis. Until recently, the ability to study the role of mitochondrial Ca²⁺ transport in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion has been hindered by the absence of suitable approaches either to suppress Ca²⁺ uptake into these organelles, or to examine the impact on β-cell excitability. Here, we have combined patch-clamp electrophysiology with simultaneous real-time imaging of compartmentalised changes in Ca²⁺ and ATP/ADP ratio in single primary mouse β-cells, using recombinant targeted (Pericam or Perceval, respectively) as well as entrapped intracellular (Fura-Red), probes. Through shRNA-mediated silencing we show that the recently-identified mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uniporter, MCU, is required for depolarisation-induced mitochondrial Ca²⁺ increases, and for a sustained increase in cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio. By contrast, silencing of the mitochondrial Na⁺-Ca²⁺ exchanger NCLX affected the kinetics of glucose-induced changes in, but not steady state values of, cytosolic ATP/ADP. Exposure to gluco-lipotoxic conditions delayed both mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake and cytosolic ATP/ADP ratio increases without affecting the expression of either gene. Mitochondrial Ca²⁺ accumulation, mediated by MCU and modulated by NCLX, is thus required for normal glucose sensing by pancreatic β-cells, and becomes defective in conditions mimicking the diabetic milieu.

Mechanisms of control of the free Ca2+ concentration in the endoplasmic reticulum of mouse pancreatic β-cells: interplay with cell metabolism and [Ca2+]c and role of SERCA2b and SERCA3

OBJECTIVE

Sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2b (SERCA2b) and SERCA3 pump Ca(2+) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells. We studied their role in the control of the free ER Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](ER)) and the role of SERCA3 in the control of insulin secretion and ER stress.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

β-Cell [Ca(2+)](ER) of SERCA3(+/+) and SERCA3(-/-) mice was monitored with an adenovirus encoding the low Ca(2+)-affinity sensor D4 addressed to the ER (D4ER) under the control of the insulin promoter. Free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) and [Ca(2+)](ER) were simultaneously recorded. Insulin secretion and mRNA levels of ER stress genes were studied.

RESULTS

Glucose elicited synchronized [Ca(2+)](ER) and [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations. [Ca(2+)](ER) oscillations were smaller in SERCA3(-/-) than in SERCA3(+/+) β-cells. Stimulating cell metabolism with various [glucose] in the presence of diazoxide induced a similar dose-dependent [Ca(2+)](ER) rise in SERCA3(+/+) and SERCA3(-/-) β-cells. In a Ca(2+)-free medium, glucose moderately raised [Ca(2+)](ER) from a highly buffered cytosolic Ca(2+) pool. Increasing [Ca(2+)](c) with high [K] elicited a [Ca(2+)](ER) rise that was larger but more transient in SERCA3(+/+) than SERCA3(-/-) β-cells because of the activation of a Ca(2+) release from the ER in SERCA3(+/+) β-cells. Glucose-induced insulin release was larger in SERCA3(-/-) than SERCA3(+/+) islets. SERCA3 ablation did not induce ER stress.

CONCLUSIONS

[Ca(2+)](c) and [Ca(2+)](ER) oscillate in phase in response to glucose. Upon [Ca(2+)](c) increase, Ca(2+) is taken up by SERCA2b and SERCA3. Strong Ca(2+) influx triggers a Ca(2+) release from the ER that depends on SERCA3. SERCA3 deficiency neither impairs Ca(2+) uptake by the ER upon cell metabolism acceleration and insulin release nor induces ER stress.

Placental lactogens induce serotonin biosynthesis in a subset of mouse beta cells during pregnancy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Upregulation of the functional beta cell mass is required to match the physiological demands of mother and fetus during pregnancy. This increase is dependent on placental lactogens (PLs) and prolactin receptors, but the mechanisms underlying these events are only partially understood. We studied the mRNA expression profile of mouse islets during pregnancy to gain a better insight into these changes.

METHODS

RNA expression was measured ex vivo via microarrays and quantitative RT-PCR. In vivo observations were extended by in vitro models in which ovine PL was added to cultured mouse islets and MIN6 cells.

RESULTS

mRNA encoding both isoforms of the rate-limiting enzyme of serotonin biosynthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), i.e. Tph1 and Tph2, were strongly induced (fold change 25- to 200-fold) during pregnancy. This induction was mimicked by exposing islets or MIN6 cells to ovine PLs for 24 h and was dependent on janus kinase 2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5. Parallel to Tph1 mRNA and protein induction, islet serotonin content increased to a peak level that was 200-fold higher than basal. Interestingly, only a subpopulation of the beta cells was serotonin-positive in vitro and in vivo. The stored serotonin pool in pregnant islets and PL-treated MIN6 cells was rapidly released (turnover once every 2 h).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

A very strong lactogen-dependent upregulation of serotonin biosynthesis occurs in a subpopulation of mouse islet beta cells during pregnancy. Since the newly formed serotonin is rapidly released, this lactogen-induced beta cell function may serve local or endocrine tasks, the nature of which remains to be identified.

Tissue-specific disallowance of housekeeping genes: the other face of cell differentiation

We report on a hitherto poorly characterized class of genes that are expressed in all tissues, except in one. Often, these genes have been classified as housekeeping genes, based on their nearly ubiquitous expression. However, the specific repression in one tissue defines a special class of "disallowed genes." In this paper, we used the intersection-union test to screen for such genes in a multi-tissue panel of genome-wide mRNA expression data. We propose that disallowed genes need to be repressed in the specific target tissue to ensure correct tissue function. We provide mechanistic data of repression with two metabolic examples, exercise-induced inappropriate insulin release and interference with ketogenesis in liver. Developmentally, this repression is established during tissue maturation in the early postnatal period involving epigenetic changes in histone methylation. In addition, tissue-specific expression of microRNAs can further diminish these repressed mRNAs. Together, we provide a systematic analysis of tissue-specific repression of housekeeping genes, a phenomenon that has not been studied so far on a genome-wide basis and, when perturbed, can lead to human disease.

Subplasmalemmal Ca(2+) measurements in mouse pancreatic beta cells support the existence of an amplifying effect of glucose on insulin secretion

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Glucose-induced insulin secretion is attributed to a rise of beta cell cytosolic free [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](c)) (triggering pathway) and amplification of the action of Ca(2+). This concept of amplification rests on observations that glucose can increase Ca(2+)-induced insulin secretion without further elevating an imposed already high [Ca(2+)](c). However, it remains possible that this amplification results from an increase in [Ca(2+)] just under the plasma membrane ([Ca(2+)](SM)), which escaped detection by previous measurements of global [Ca(2+)](c). This was the hypothesis that we tested here by measuring [Ca(2+)](SM).

METHODS

The genetically encoded Ca(2+) indicators D3-cpv (untargeted) and LynD3-cpv (targeted to plasma membrane) were expressed in clusters of mouse beta cells. LynD3-cpv was also expressed in beta cells within intact islets. [Ca(2+)](SM) changes were monitored using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Insulin secretion was measured in parallel.

RESULTS

Beta cells expressing D3cpv or LynD3cpv displayed normal [Ca(2+)] changes and insulin secretion in response to glucose. Distinct [Ca(2+)](SM) fluctuations were detected during repetitive variations of KCl between 30 and 32-35 mmol/l, attesting to the adequate sensitivity of our system. When the amplifying pathway was evaluated (high KCl + diazoxide), increasing glucose from 3 to 15 mmol/l consistently lowered [Ca(2+)](SM) while stimulating insulin secretion approximately two fold. Blocking Ca(2+) uptake by the endoplasmic reticulum largely attenuated the [Ca(2+)](SM) decrease produced by high glucose but did not unmask localised [Ca(2+)](SM) increases.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Glucose can increase Ca(2+)-induced insulin secretion without causing further elevation of beta cell [Ca(2+)](SM). The phenomenon is therefore a true amplification of the triggering action of Ca(2+).

Effects of fructosamine-3-kinase deficiency on function and survival of mouse pancreatic islets after prolonged culture in high glucose or ribose concentrations

Due to their high glucose permeability, insulin-secreting pancreatic beta-cells likely undergo strong intracellular protein glycation at high glucose concentrations. They may, however, be partly protected from the glucotoxic alterations of their survival and function by fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K), a ubiquitous enzyme that initiates deglycation of intracellular proteins. To test that hypothesis, we cultured pancreatic islets from Fn3k-knockout (Fn3k(-/-)) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates for 1-3 wk in the presence of 10 or 30 mmol/l glucose (G10 or G30, respectively) and measured protein glycation, apoptosis, preproinsulin gene expression, and Ca(2+) and insulin secretory responses to acute glucose stimulation. The more potent glycating agent d-ribose (25 mmol/l) was used as positive control for protein glycation. In WT islets, a 1-wk culture in G30 significantly increased the amount of soluble intracellular protein-bound fructose-epsilon-lysines and the glucose sensitivity of beta-cells for changes in Ca(2+) and insulin secretion, whereas it decreased the islet insulin content. After 3 wk, culture in G30 also strongly decreased beta-cell glucose responsiveness and preproinsulin mRNA levels, whereas it increased islet cell apoptosis. Although protein-bound fructose-epsilon-lysines were more abundant in Fn3k(-/-) vs. WT islets, islet cell survival and function and their glucotoxic alterations were almost identical in both types of islets, except for a lower level of apoptosis in Fn3k(-/-) islets cultured for 3 wk in G30. In comparison, d-ribose (1 wk) similarly decreased preproinsulin expression and beta-cell glucose responsiveness in both types of islets, whereas it increased apoptosis to a larger extent in Fn3k(-/-) vs. WT islets. We conclude that, despite its ability to reduce the glycation of intracellular islet proteins, FN3K is neither required for the maintenance of beta-cell survival and function under control conditions nor involved in protection against beta-cell glucotoxicity. The latter, therefore, occurs independently from the associated increase in the level of intracellular fructose-epsilon-lysines.

Glucose and pharmacological modulators of ATP-sensitive K+ channels control [Ca2+]c by different mechanisms in isolated mouse alpha-cells

OBJECTIVE

We studied how glucose and ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channel modulators affect alpha-cell [Ca(2+)](c).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GYY mice (expressing enhanced yellow fluorescent protein in alpha-cells) and NMRI mice were used. [Ca(2+)](c), the K(ATP) current (I(KATP), perforated mode) and cell metabolism [NAD(P)H fluorescence] were monitored in single alpha-cells and, for comparison, in single beta-cells.

RESULTS

In 0.5 mmol/l glucose, [Ca(2+)](c) oscillated in some alpha-cells and was basal in the others. Increasing glucose to 15 mmol/l decreased [Ca(2+)](c) by approximately 30% in oscillating cells and was ineffective in the others. alpha-Cell I(KATP) was inhibited by tolbutamide and activated by diazoxide or the mitochondrial poison azide, as in beta-cells. Tolbutamide increased alpha-cell [Ca(2+)](c), whereas diazoxide and azide abolished [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations. Increasing glucose from 0.5 to 15 mmol/l did not change I(KATP) and NAD(P)H fluorescence in alpha-cells in contrast to beta-cells. The use of nimodipine showed that L-type Ca(2+) channels are the main conduits for Ca(2+) influx in alpha-cells. gamma-Aminobutyric acid and zinc did not decrease alpha-cell [Ca(2+)](c), and insulin, although lowering [Ca(2+)](c) very modestly, did not affect glucagon secretion.

CONCLUSIONS

alpha-Cells display similarities with beta-cells: K(ATP) channels control Ca(2+) influx mainly through L-type Ca(2+) channels. However, alpha-cells have distinct features from beta-cells: Most K(ATP) channels are already closed at low glucose, glucose does not affect cell metabolism and I(KATP), and it slightly decreases [Ca(2+)](c). Hence, glucose and K(ATP) channel modulators exert distinct effects on alpha-cell [Ca(2+)](c). The direct small glucose-induced drop in alpha-cell [Ca(2+)](c) contributes likely only partly to the strong glucose-induced inhibition of glucagon secretion in islets.

The GluCre-ROSA26EYFP mouse: a new model for easy identification of living pancreatic alpha-cells

The control of glucagon secretion by pancreatic alpha-cells is poorly understood, largely because of the difficulty to recognize living alpha-cells. We describe a new mouse model, referred to as GluCre-ROSA26EYFP (or GYY), allowing easy alpha-cell identification because of specific expression of EYFP. GYY mice displayed normal glycemic control during a fasting/refeeding test or intraperitoneal insulin injection. Glucagon secretion by isolated islets was normally inhibited by glucose and stimulated by adrenaline. [Ca(2+)](c) responses to arginine, adrenaline, diazoxide and tolbutamide, were similar in GYY and control mice. Hence, this new mouse model is a reliable and powerful tool to specifically study alpha-cells.

Glucose Acutely Decreases pH of Secretory Granules in Mouse Pancreatic Islets

Glucose-induced insulin secretion requires a rise in beta-cell cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]c) that triggers exocytosis and a mechanistically unexplained amplification of the action of [Ca2+]c. Insulin granules are kept acidic by luminal pumping of protons with simultaneous Cl- uptake to maintain electroneutrality. Experiments using patched, dialyzed beta-cells prompted the suggestion that acute granule acidification by glucose underlies amplification of insulin secretion. However, others found glucose to increase granular pH in intact islets. In this study, we measured islet granular pH with Lysosensor DND-160, a fluorescent dye that permits ratiometric determination of pH < 6 in acidic compartments. Stimulation of mouse islets with glucose reversibly decreased granular pH by mechanisms that are dependent on metabolism and Cl- ions but independent of changes in [Ca2+]c and protein kinase A or C activity. Granular pH was increased by concanamycin (blocker of the vesicular type H+-ATPase) > methylamine (weak base) > Cl- omission. Concanamycin and methylamine did not alter glucose-induced [Ca2+]c increase in islets but strongly inhibited the two phases of insulin secretion. Omission of Cl- did not affect the first phase but decreased the second phase of both [Ca2+]c and insulin responses. Neither experimental condition affected the [Ca2+]c rise induced by 30 mM KCl, but the insulin responses were inhibited by concanamycin > methylamine and not affected by Cl- omission. The amplification of insulin secretion by glucose was not suppressed. We conclude that an acidic granular pH is important for insulin secretion but that the acute further acidification produced by glucose is not essential for the augmentation of secretion via the amplifying pathway.

Glucose-induced mixed [Ca2+]c oscillations in mouse beta-cells are controlled by the membrane potential and the SERCA3 Ca2+-ATPase of the endoplasmic reticulum

Stimulatory concentrations of glucose induce two patterns of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) oscillations in mouse islets: simple or mixed. In the mixed pattern, rapid oscillations are superimposed on slow ones. In the present study, we examined the role of the membrane potential in the mixed pattern and the impact of this pattern on insulin release. Simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]c and insulin release from single islets revealed that mixed [Ca2+]c oscillations triggered synchronous oscillations of insulin secretion. Simultaneous recordings of membrane potential in a single beta-cell within an islet and of [Ca2+]c in the whole islet demonstrated that the mixed pattern resulted from compound bursting (i.e., clusters of membrane potential oscillations separated by prolonged silent intervals) that was synchronized in most beta-cells of the islet. Each slow [Ca2+]c increase during mixed oscillations was due to a progressive summation of rapid oscillations. Digital image analysis confirmed the good synchrony between subregions of an islet. By contrast, islets from sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase isoform 3 (SERCA3)-knockout mice did not display typical mixed [Ca2+]c oscillations in response to glucose. This results from a lack of progressive summation of rapid oscillations and from altered spontaneous electrical activity, i.e., lack of compound bursting, and membrane potential oscillations characterized by lower-frequency but larger-depolarization phases than observed in SERCA3+/+ beta-cells. We conclude that glucose-induced mixed [Ca2+]c oscillations result from compound bursting in all beta-cells of the islet. Disruption of SERCA3 abolishes mixed [Ca2+]c oscillations and augments beta-cell depolarization. This latter observation indicates that the endoplasmic reticulum participates in the control of the beta-cell membrane potential during glucose stimulation.