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Qian MF, Bevacqua RJ, Coykendall VM, Liu X, Zhao W, Chang CA, Gu X, Dai XQ, MacDonald PE, Kim SK. HNF1α maintains pancreatic α and β cell functions in primary human islets. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e170884. [PMID: 37943614 PMCID: PMC10807710 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.170884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HNF1A haploinsufficiency underlies the most common form of human monogenic diabetes (HNF1A-maturity onset diabetes of the young [HNF1A-MODY]), and hypomorphic HNF1A variants confer type 2 diabetes risk. But a lack of experimental systems for interrogating mature human islets has limited our understanding of how the transcription factor HNF1α regulates adult islet function. Here, we combined conditional genetic targeting in human islet cells, RNA-Seq, chromatin mapping with cleavage under targets and release using nuclease (CUT&RUN), and transplantation-based assays to determine HNF1α-regulated mechanisms in adult human pancreatic α and β cells. Short hairpin RNA-mediated (shRNA-mediated) suppression of HNF1A in primary human pseudoislets led to blunted insulin output and dysregulated glucagon secretion after transplantation in mice, recapitulating phenotypes observed in patients with diabetes. These deficits corresponded with altered expression of genes encoding factors critical for hormone secretion, including calcium channel subunits, ATPase transporters, and extracellular matrix constituents. Additionally, HNF1A loss led to upregulation of transcriptional repressors, providing evidence for a mechanism of transcriptional derepression through HNF1α. CUT&RUN mapping of HNF1α DNA binding sites in primary human islets imputed a subset of HNF1α-regulated genes as direct targets. These data elucidate mechanistic links between HNF1A loss and diabetic phenotypes in mature human α and β cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mollie F. Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Romina J. Bevacqua
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vy M.N. Coykendall
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xiong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Weichen Zhao
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Charles A. Chang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Xueying Gu
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center
| | - Xiao-Qing Dai
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Patrick E. MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and
- Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Seung K. Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Stanford Diabetes Research Center
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics (Endocrinology), and
- Northern California JDRF Center of Excellence, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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2
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Brown A, Tzanakakis ES. Mathematical modeling clarifies the paracrine roles of insulin and glucagon on the glucose-stimulated hormonal secretion of pancreatic alpha- and beta-cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212749. [PMID: 37645413 PMCID: PMC10461634 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Blood sugar homeostasis relies largely on the action of pancreatic islet hormones, particularly insulin and glucagon. In a prototypical fashion, glucagon is released upon hypoglycemia to elevate glucose by acting on the liver while elevated glucose induces the secretion of insulin which leads to sugar uptake by peripheral tissues. This simplified view of glucagon and insulin does not consider the paracrine roles of the two hormones modulating the response to glucose of α- and β-cells. In particular, glucose-stimulated glucagon secretion by isolated α-cells exhibits a Hill-function pattern, while experiments with intact pancreatic islets suggest a 'U'-shaped response. Methods To this end, a framework was developed based on first principles and coupled to experimental studies capturing the glucose-induced response of pancreatic α- and β-cells influenced by the two hormones. The model predicts both the transient and steady-state profiles of secreted insulin and glucagon, including the typical biphasic response of normal β-cells to hyperglycemia. Results and discussion The results underscore insulin activity as a differentiating factor of the glucagon secretion from whole islets vs. isolated α-cells, and highlight the importance of experimental conditions in interpreting the behavior of islet cells in vitro. The model also reproduces the hyperglucagonemia, which is experienced by diabetes patients, and it is linked to a failure of insulin to inhibit α-cell activity. The framework described here is amenable to the inclusion of additional islet cell types and extrapancreatic tissue cells simulating multi-organ systems. The study expands our understanding of the interplay of insulin and glucagon for pancreas function in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aedan Brown
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Emmanuel S. Tzanakakis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
- Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
- Pharmacology and Drug Development, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States
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3
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Subramanian V, Bagger JI, Holst JJ, Knop FK, Vilsbøll T. A glucose-insulin-glucagon coupled model of the isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion experiment. Front Physiol 2022; 13:911616. [PMID: 36148302 PMCID: PMC9485803 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.911616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a pathophysiology that is characterized by insulin resistance, beta- and alpha-cell dysfunction. Mathematical models of various glucose challenge experiments have been developed to quantify the contribution of insulin and beta-cell dysfunction to the pathophysiology of T2D. There is a need for effective extended models that also capture the impact of alpha-cell dysregulation on T2D. In this paper a delay differential equation-based model is developed to describe the coupled glucose-insulin-glucagon dynamics in the isoglycemic intravenous glucose infusion (IIGI) experiment. As the glucose profile in IIGI is tailored to match that of a corresponding oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it provides a perfect method for studying hormone responses that are in the normal physiological domain and without the confounding effect of incretins and other gut mediated factors. The model was fit to IIGI data from individuals with and without T2D. Parameters related to glucagon action, suppression, and secretion as well as measures of insulin sensitivity, and glucose stimulated response were determined simultaneously. Significant impairment in glucose dependent glucagon suppression was observed in patients with T2D (duration of T2D: 8 (6-36) months) relative to weight matched control subjects (CS) without diabetes (k1 (mM)-1: 0.16 ± 0.015 (T2D, n = 7); 0.26 ± 0.047 (CS, n = 7)). Insulin action was significantly lower in patients with T2D (a1 (10 pM min)-1: 0.000084 ± 0.0000075 (T2D); 0.00052 ± 0.00015 (CS)) and the Hill coefficient in the equation for glucose dependent insulin response was found to be significantly different in T2D patients relative to CS (h: 1.4 ± 0.15; 1.9 ± 0.14). Trends in parameters with respect to fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and 2-h glucose values are also presented. Significantly, a negative linear relationship is observed between the glucagon suppression parameter, k1, and the three markers for diabetes and is thus indicative of the role of glucagon in exacerbating the pathophysiology of diabetes (Spearman Rank Correlation: (n = 12; (-0.79, 0.002), (-0.73,.007), (-0.86,.0003)) respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Subramanian
- Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jonatan I. Bagger
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jens J. Holst
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip K. Knop
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
- Clinical Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Zmazek J, Grubelnik V, Markovič R, Marhl M. Modeling the Amino Acid Effect on Glucagon Secretion from Pancreatic Alpha Cells. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12040348. [PMID: 35448534 PMCID: PMC9028923 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12040348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a burdensome problem in modern society, and intensive research is focused on better understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion for blood glucose regulation. T2DM is a bi-hormonal disease, and in addition to 100 years of increasing knowledge about the importance of insulin, the second hormone glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, is becoming increasingly important. We have developed a mathematical model for glucagon secretion that incorporates all major metabolic processes of glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine as the most abundant postprandial amino acid in blood. In addition, we consider cAMP signaling in alpha cells. The model predictions quantitatively estimate the relative importance of specific metabolic and signaling pathways and particularly emphasize the important role of glutamine in promoting glucagon secretion, which is in good agreement with known experimental data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Zmazek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.Z.); (R.M.)
| | - Vladimir Grubelnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Rene Markovič
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.Z.); (R.M.)
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia;
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.Z.); (R.M.)
- Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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Romero-Campos HE, Dupont G, Gonzalez-Velez V. On the Electrophysiological Component of Pancreatic Alpha-Cell Models. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:4408-4411. [PMID: 34892197 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon, the main hormone responsible for increasing blood glucose levels, is secreted by pancreatic alphacells in a Ca2+ dependent process associated to membrane potential oscillations developed by the dynamic operation of K+, Na+ and Ca2+ channels. The mechanisms behind membrane potential and Ca2+ oscillations in alpha-cells are still under debate, and some new research works have used alpha-cell models to describe electrical activity. In this paper we studied the dynamics of electrical activity of three alpha-cell models using the Lead Potential Analysis method and Bifurcation Diagrams. Our aim is to highlight the differences in their dynamic behavior and therefore, in their response to glucose. Both issues are relevant to understand the stimulus-secretion coupling in alpha-cells and then, the mechanisms behind their dysregulation in Type 2 Diabetes.Clinical Relevance - A reliable description of the electrophysiological mechanisms in pancreatic alpha-cells is key to understand and treat the dysregulation of these cells in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.
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6
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Shaheen H, Singh S, Melnik R. A Neuron-Glial Model of Exosomal Release in the Onset and Progression of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Comput Neurosci 2021; 15:653097. [PMID: 34616283 PMCID: PMC8489198 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2021.653097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that perform a variety of biological functions linked to the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), for examples, exosomes are responsible for the release of Aβ oligomers, and their extracellular accumulation, although the underpinning molecular machinery remains elusive. We propose a novel model for Alzheimer's Aβ accumulation based on Ca2+-dependent exosome release from astrocytes. Moreover, we exploit our model to assess how temperature dependence of exosome release could interact with Aβ neurotoxicity. We predict that voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) along with the transient-receptor potential M8 (TRPM8) channel are crucial molecular components in Alzheimer's progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hina Shaheen
- M3AI Laboratory, MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Sundeep Singh
- M3AI Laboratory, MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Roderick Melnik
- M3AI Laboratory, MS2Discovery Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada.,BCAM-Basque Center for Applied Mathematics, Bilbao, Spain
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7
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Asadi F, Dhanvantari S. Pathways of Glucagon Secretion and Trafficking in the Pancreatic Alpha Cell: Novel Pathways, Proteins, and Targets for Hyperglucagonemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:726368. [PMID: 34659118 PMCID: PMC8511682 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.726368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit hyperglucagonemia, or excess glucagon secretion, which may be the underlying cause of the hyperglycemia of diabetes. Defective alpha cell secretory responses to glucose and paracrine effectors in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may drive the development of hyperglucagonemia. Therefore, uncovering the mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion from the pancreatic alpha cell is critical for developing improved treatments for diabetes. In this review, we focus on aspects of alpha cell biology for possible mechanisms for alpha cell dysfunction in diabetes: proglucagon processing, intrinsic and paracrine control of glucagon secretion, secretory granule dynamics, and alterations in intracellular trafficking. We explore possible clues gleaned from these studies in how inhibition of glucagon secretion can be targeted as a treatment for diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Asadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Program in Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Program in Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging Research Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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8
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Ng XW, Chung YH, Piston DW. Intercellular Communication in the Islet of Langerhans in Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2191-2225. [PMID: 34190340 PMCID: PMC8985231 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood glucose homeostasis requires proper function of pancreatic islets, which secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin from the β-, α-, and δ-cells, respectively. Each islet cell type is equipped with intrinsic mechanisms for glucose sensing and secretory actions, but these intrinsic mechanisms alone cannot explain the observed secretory profiles from intact islets. Regulation of secretion involves interconnected mechanisms among and between islet cell types. Islet cells lose their normal functional signatures and secretory behaviors upon dispersal as compared to intact islets and in vivo. In dispersed islet cells, the glucose response of insulin secretion is attenuated from that seen from whole islets, coordinated oscillations in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ activity, as well as the two-phase insulin secretion profile, are missing, and glucagon secretion displays higher basal secretion profile and a reverse glucose-dependent response from that of intact islets. These observations highlight the critical roles of intercellular communication within the pancreatic islet, and how these communication pathways are crucial for proper hormonal and nonhormonal secretion and glucose homeostasis. Further, misregulated secretions of islet secretory products that arise from defective intercellular islet communication are implicated in diabetes. Intercellular communication within the islet environment comprises multiple mechanisms, including electrical synapses from gap junctional coupling, paracrine interactions among neighboring cells, and direct cell-to-cell contacts in the form of juxtacrine signaling. In this article, we describe the various mechanisms that contribute to proper islet function for each islet cell type and how intercellular islet communications are coordinated among the same and different islet cell types. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:2191-2225, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue W Ng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yong H Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David W Piston
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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9
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Role of cAMP in Double Switch of Glucagon Secretion. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040896. [PMID: 33919776 PMCID: PMC8070687 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in modulating glucagon secretion in pancreatic alpha cells. However, the downstream effects of glucose metabolism and the activated signaling pathways influencing glucagon granule exocytosis are still obscure. We developed a computational alpha cell model, implementing metabolic pathways of glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) catabolism and an intrinsically activated cAMP signaling pathway. According to the model predictions, increased catabolic activity is able to suppress the cAMP signaling pathway, reducing exocytosis in a Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+ independent manner. The effect is synergistic to the pathway involving ATP-dependent closure of KATP channels and consequent reduction of Ca2+. We analyze the contribution of each pathway to glucagon secretion and show that both play decisive roles, providing a kind of "secure double switch". The cAMP-driven signaling switch plays a dominant role, while the ATP-driven metabolic switch is less favored. The ratio is approximately 60:40, according to the most recent experimental evidence.
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10
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Morettini M, Burattini L, Göbl C, Pacini G, Ahrén B, Tura A. Mathematical Model of Glucagon Kinetics for the Assessment of Insulin-Mediated Glucagon Inhibition During an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:611147. [PMID: 33828527 PMCID: PMC8020816 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.611147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon is secreted from the pancreatic alpha cells and plays an important role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis, by interacting with insulin. The plasma glucose levels determine whether glucagon secretion or insulin secretion is activated or inhibited. Despite its relevance, some aspects of glucagon secretion and kinetics remain unclear. To gain insight into this, we aimed to develop a mathematical model of the glucagon kinetics during an oral glucose tolerance test, which is sufficiently simple to be used in the clinical practice. The proposed model included two first-order differential equations -one describing glucagon and the other describing C-peptide in a compartment remote from plasma - and yielded a parameter of possible clinical relevance (i.e., SGLUCA(t), glucagon-inhibition sensitivity to glucose-induced insulin secretion). Model was validated on mean glucagon data derived from the scientific literature, yielding values for SGLUCA(t) ranging from -15.03 to 2.75 (ng of glucagon·nmol of C-peptide-1). A further validation on a total of 100 virtual subjects provided reliable results (mean residuals between -1.5 and 1.5 ng·L-1) and a negative significant linear correlation (r = -0.74, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: -0.82 - -0.64) between SGLUCA(t) and the ratio between the areas under the curve of suprabasal remote C-peptide and glucagon. Model reliability was also proven by the ability to capture different patterns in glucagon kinetics. In conclusion, the proposed model reliably reproduces glucagon kinetics and is characterized by sufficient simplicity to be possibly used in the clinical practice, for the estimation in the single individual of some glucagon-related parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Morettini
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
- *Correspondence: Micaela Morettini,
| | - Laura Burattini
- Department of Information Engineering, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Christian Göbl
- Division of Obstetrics and Feto-Maternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Giovanni Pacini
- Metabolic Unit, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
| | - Bo Ahrén
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrea Tura
- Metabolic Unit, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Padova, Italy
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11
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González-Vélez V, Piron A, Dupont G. Calcium Oscillations in Pancreatic α-cells Rely on Noise and ATP-Driven Changes in Membrane Electrical Activity. Front Physiol 2020; 11:602844. [PMID: 33281631 PMCID: PMC7705205 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.602844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic α-cells, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) acts as a trigger for secretion of glucagon, a hormone that plays a key role in blood glucose homeostasis. Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in these cells are governed by the electrical activity of voltage-gated ion channels, among which ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels play a crucial role. In the majority of α-cells, the global Ca2+ response to lowering external glucose occurs in the form of oscillations that are much slower than electrical activity. These Ca2+ oscillations are highly variable as far as inter-spike intervals, shapes and amplitudes are concerned. Such observations suggest that Ca2+ dynamics in α-cells are much influenced by noise. Actually, each Ca2+ increase corresponds to multiple cycles of opening/closing of voltage gated Ca2+ channels that abruptly become silent, before the occurrence of another burst of activity a few tens of seconds later. The mechanism responsible for this intermittent activity is currently unknown. In this work, we used computational modeling to investigate the mechanism of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in α-cells. Given the limited population of KATP channels in this cell type, we hypothesized that the stochastic activity of these channels could play a key role in the sporadic character of the action potentials. To test this assumption, we extended a previously proposed model of the α-cells electrical activity (Diderichsen and Göpel, 2006) to take Ca2+ dynamics into account. Including molecular noise on the basis of a Langevin type description as well as realistic dynamics of opening and closing of KATP channels, we found that stochasticity at the level of the activity of this channel is on its own not able to produce Ca2+ oscillations with a time scale of a few tens of seconds. However, when taking into account the intimate relation between Ca2+ and ATP changes together with the intrinsic noise at the level of the KATP channels, simulations displayed Ca2+ oscillations that are compatible with experimental observations. We analyzed the detailed mechanism and used computational simulations to identify the factors that can affect Ca2+ oscillations in α-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia González-Vélez
- Department Basic Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco, CDMX, Mèxico, Mexico
| | - Anthony Piron
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics (IB2), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geneviève Dupont
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics (IB2), Brussels, Belgium.,Unit of Theoretical Chronobiology, Faculté des Sciences, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Félix-Martínez GJ, N. Mata A, Godínez-Fernández JR. Reconstructing human pancreatic islet architectures using computational optimization. Islets 2020; 12:121-133. [PMID: 33090076 PMCID: PMC7751670 DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2020.1823178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We outline a general methodology based on computational optimization and experimental data to reconstruct human pancreatic islet architectures. By using the nuclei coordinates of islet cells obtained through DAPI staining, cell types identified by immunostaining, and cell size distributions estimated from capacitance measurements, reconstructed islets composed of non-overlapping spherical cells were obtained through an iterative optimization procedure. In all cases, the reconstructed architectures included >99% of the experimental identified cells, each of them having a radius within the experimentally reported ranges. Given the wide use of mathematical modeling for the study of pancreatic cells, and recently, of cell-cell interactions within the pancreatic islets, the methodology here proposed, also capable of identifying cell-to-cell contacts, is aimed to provide with a framework for modeling and analyzing experimentally-based pancreatic islet architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo J. Félix-Martínez
- Cátedras CONACYT, Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico City, México
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, México
- CONTACT Gerardo J. Félix-Martínez Laboratory of Biophysics AT-221, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; San Rafael Atlixco 186, Col. Vicentina, 09340, Iztalapapa, CDMX, México
| | - Aurelio N. Mata
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, México
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13
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Veletic M, Barros MT, Arjmandi H, Balasubramaniam S, Balasingham I. Modeling of Modulated Exosome Release From Differentiated Induced Neural Stem Cells for Targeted Drug Delivery. IEEE Trans Nanobioscience 2020; 19:357-367. [PMID: 32365033 DOI: 10.1109/tnb.2020.2991794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A novel implantable and externally controllable stem-cell-based platform for the treatment of Glioblastoma brain cancer has been proposed to bring hope to patients who suffer from this devastating cancer type. Induced Neural Stem Cells (iNSCs), known to have potent therapeutic effects through exosomes-based molecular communication, play a pivotal role in this platform. Transplanted iNSCs demonstrate long-term survival and differentiation into neurons and glia which then fully functionally integrate with the existing neural network. Recent studies have shown that specific types of calcium channels in differentiated neurons and astrocytes are inhibited or activated upon cell depolarization leading to the increased intracellular calcium concentration levels which, in turn, interact with mobilization of multivesicular bodies and exosomal release. In order to provide a platform towards treating brain cancer with the optimum therapy dosage, we propose mathematical models to compute the therapeutic exosomal release rate that is modulated by cell stimulation patterns applied from the external wearable device. This study serves as an initial and required step in the evaluation of controlled exosomal secretion and release via induced stimulation with electromagnetic, optical and/or ultrasonic waves.
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Grubelnik V, Zmazek J, Markovič R, Gosak M, Marhl M. Modelling of energy-driven switch for glucagon and insulin secretion. J Theor Biol 2020; 493:110213. [PMID: 32109481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2020.110213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We present a mathematical model of the energy-driven metabolic switch for glucagon and insulin secretion from pancreatic alpha and beta cells, respectively. The energy status related to hormone secretion is studied for various glucose concentrations. Additionally, the physiological response is studied with regards to the presence of other metabolites, particularly the free-fatty acids. At low glucose, the ATP production in alpha cells is high due to free-fatty acids oxidation in mitochondria, which enables glucagon secretion. When the glucose concentration is elevated above the threshold value, the glucagon secretion is switched off due to the contribution of glycolytic ATP production, representing an "anaerobic switch". On the other hand, during hypoglycemia, the ATP production in beta cells is low, reflecting a "waiting state" for glucose as the main metabolite. When glucose is elevated above the threshold value, the oxidative fate of glucose in mitochondria is the main source of energy required for effective insulin secretion, i.e. the "aerobic switch". Our results show the importance of well-regulated and fine-tuned energetic processes in pancreatic alpha and beta cells required for efficient hormone secretion and hence effective blood glucose regulation. These energetic processes have to be appropriately switched on and off based on the sensing of different metabolites by alpha and beta cells. Our computational results indicate that disturbances in cell energetics (e.g. mitochondrial dysfunction), and dysfunctional metabolite sensing and distribution throughout the cell might be related to pathologies such as metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Grubelnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Jan Zmazek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Rene Markovič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia; Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia; Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, Maribor SI-2000, Slovenia.
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15
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Grubelnik V, Markovič R, Lipovšek S, Leitinger G, Gosak M, Dolenšek J, Valladolid-Acebes I, Berggren PO, Stožer A, Perc M, Marhl M. Modelling of dysregulated glucagon secretion in type 2 diabetes by considering mitochondrial alterations in pancreatic α-cells. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:191171. [PMID: 32218947 PMCID: PMC7029933 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.191171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with insulin resistance and the failure of β-cells to produce and secrete enough insulin as the disease progresses. However, clinical treatments based solely on insulin secretion and action have had limited success. The focus is therefore shifting towards α-cells, in particular to the dysregulated secretion of glucagon. Our qualitative electron-microscopy-based observations gave an indication that mitochondria in α-cells are altered in Western-diet-induced T2DM. In particular, α-cells extracted from mouse pancreatic tissue showed a lower density of mitochondria, a less expressed matrix and a lower number of cristae. These deformities in mitochondrial ultrastructure imply a decreased efficiency in mitochondrial ATP production, which prompted us to theoretically explore and clarify one of the most challenging problems associated with T2DM, namely the lack of glucagon secretion in hypoglycaemia and its oversecretion at high blood glucose concentrations. To this purpose, we constructed a novel computational model that links α-cell metabolism with their electrical activity and glucagon secretion. Our results show that defective mitochondrial metabolism in α-cells can account for dysregulated glucagon secretion in T2DM, thus improving our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology and indicating possibilities for new clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Grubelnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rene Markovič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Saška Lipovšek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerd Leitinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Ismael Valladolid-Acebes
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Perc
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria
- Authors for correspondence: Matjač Perc e-mail:
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Authors for correspondence: Marko Marhl e-mail:
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16
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Grubelnik V, Markovič R, Lipovšek S, Leitinger G, Gosak M, Dolenšek J, Valladolid-Acebes I, Berggren PO, Stožer A, Perc M, Marhl M. Modelling of dysregulated glucagon secretion in type 2 diabetes by considering mitochondrial alterations in pancreatic α-cells. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 32218947 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.9n2k1vk] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has been associated with insulin resistance and the failure of β-cells to produce and secrete enough insulin as the disease progresses. However, clinical treatments based solely on insulin secretion and action have had limited success. The focus is therefore shifting towards α-cells, in particular to the dysregulated secretion of glucagon. Our qualitative electron-microscopy-based observations gave an indication that mitochondria in α-cells are altered in Western-diet-induced T2DM. In particular, α-cells extracted from mouse pancreatic tissue showed a lower density of mitochondria, a less expressed matrix and a lower number of cristae. These deformities in mitochondrial ultrastructure imply a decreased efficiency in mitochondrial ATP production, which prompted us to theoretically explore and clarify one of the most challenging problems associated with T2DM, namely the lack of glucagon secretion in hypoglycaemia and its oversecretion at high blood glucose concentrations. To this purpose, we constructed a novel computational model that links α-cell metabolism with their electrical activity and glucagon secretion. Our results show that defective mitochondrial metabolism in α-cells can account for dysregulated glucagon secretion in T2DM, thus improving our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology and indicating possibilities for new clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Grubelnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rene Markovič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Saška Lipovšek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Gerd Leitinger
- Division of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Ismael Valladolid-Acebes
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital L1, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Perc
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, 1080 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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17
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Montefusco F, Cortese G, Pedersen MG. Heterogeneous alpha-cell population modeling of glucose-induced inhibition of electrical activity. J Theor Biol 2019; 485:110036. [PMID: 31585105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2019.110036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon release from the pancreatic alpha-cells is regulated by glucose, but the underlying mechanisms are far from understood. It is known that the alpha-cell population is very heterogeneous, but - compared to the insulin-secreting beta-cells - the consequences of this cell-to-cell variation are much less studied. Since the alpha-cells are not electrically coupled, large differences in the single cell responses are to be expected, and this variation may contribute to the confusion regarding the mechanisms of glucose-induced suppression of glucagon release. Using mathematical modeling of alpha-cells with realistic cell-to-cell parameter variation based on recent experimental results, we show that the simulated alpha-cells exhibit great diversity in their electrophysiological behavior. To robustly reproduce experimental recordings from alpha-cell exposed to a rise in glucose levels, we must assume that both intrinsic mechanisms and paracrine signals contribute to glucose-induced changes in electrical activity. Our simulations suggest that the sum of different electrophysiological responses due to alpha-cell heterogeneity is involved in glucose-suppressed glucagon secretion, and that more than one mechanism contribute to control the alpha-cell populations' behavior. Finally, we apply regression analysis to our synthetic alpha-cell population to infer which membrane currents influence electrical activity in alpha-cells at different glucose levels. The results from such statistical modeling suggest possible disturbances underlying defect regulation of alpha-cell electrical behavior in diabetics. Thus, although alpha-cells appear to be inherently complex and heterogeneous as reflected in published data, realistic modeling of the alpha-cells at the population level provides insight into the mechanisms of glucagon release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuliana Cortese
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Morten G Pedersen
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Department of Mathematics "Tullio Levi-Civita", University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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18
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Abstract
Controlling the excess and shortage of energy is a fundamental task for living organisms. Diabetes is a representative metabolic disease caused by the malfunction of energy homeostasis. The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas release long-range messengers, hormones, into the blood to regulate the homeostasis of the primary energy fuel, glucose. The hormone and glucose levels in the blood show rhythmic oscillations with a characteristic period of 5-10 min, and the functional roles of the oscillations are not clear. Each islet has [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] cells that secrete glucagon and insulin, respectively. These two counter-regulatory hormones appear sufficient to increase and decrease glucose levels. However, pancreatic islets have a third cell type, [Formula: see text] cells, which secrete somatostatin. The three cell populations have a unique spatial organization in islets, and they interact to perturb their hormone secretions. The mini-organs of islets are scattered throughout the exocrine pancreas. Considering that the human pancreas contains approximately a million islets, the coordination of hormone secretion from the multiple sources of islets and cells within the islets should have a significant effect on human physiology. In this review, we introduce the hierarchical organization of tripartite cell networks, and recent biophysical modeling to systematically understand the oscillations and interactions of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] cells. Furthermore, we discuss the functional roles and clinical implications of hormonal oscillations and their phase coordination for the diagnosis of type II diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taegeun Song
- Department of Physics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
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19
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Shahriari Z, Parastesh F, Jalili M, Berec V, Ma J, Jafari S. The role of coupling factors on the emergence of synchronization and chimera patterns in network of non-locally coupled pancreatic β-cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/125/60001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Briant LJB, Reinbothe TM, Spiliotis I, Miranda C, Rodriguez B, Rorsman P. δ-cells and β-cells are electrically coupled and regulate α-cell activity via somatostatin. J Physiol 2017; 596:197-215. [PMID: 28975620 PMCID: PMC5767697 DOI: 10.1113/jp274581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points We used a mouse expressing a light‐sensitive ion channel in β‐cells to understand how α‐cell activity is regulated by β‐cells. Light activation of β‐cells triggered a suppression of α‐cell activity via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells. Mathematical modelling of human islets suggests that 23% of the inhibitory effect of glucose on glucagon secretion is mediated by β‐cells via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells/somatostatin secretion.
Abstract Glucagon, the body's principal hyperglycaemic hormone, is released from α‐cells of the pancreatic islet. Secretion of this hormone is dysregulated in type 2 diabetes mellitus but the mechanisms controlling secretion are not well understood. Regulation of glucagon secretion by factors secreted by neighbouring β‐ and δ‐cells (paracrine regulation) have been proposed to be important. In this study, we explored the importance of paracrine regulation by using an optogenetic strategy. Specific light‐induced activation of β‐cells in mouse islets expressing the light‐gated channelrhodopsin‐2 resulted in stimulation of electrical activity in δ‐cells but suppression of α‐cell activity. Activation of the δ‐cells was rapid and sensitive to the gap junction inhibitor carbenoxolone, whereas the effect on electrical activity in α‐cells was blocked by CYN 154806, an antagonist of the somatostatin‐2 receptor. These observations indicate that optogenetic activation of the β‐cells propagates to the δ‐cells via gap junctions, and the consequential stimulation of somatostatin secretion inhibits α‐cell electrical activity by a paracrine mechanism. To explore whether this pathway is important for regulating α‐cell activity and glucagon secretion in human islets, we constructed computational models of human islets. These models had detailed architectures based on human islets and consisted of a collection of >500 α‐, β‐ and δ‐cells. Simulations of these models revealed that this gap junctional/paracrine mechanism accounts for up to 23% of the suppression of glucagon secretion by high glucose. We used a mouse expressing a light‐sensitive ion channel in β‐cells to understand how α‐cell activity is regulated by β‐cells. Light activation of β‐cells triggered a suppression of α‐cell activity via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells. Mathematical modelling of human islets suggests that 23% of the inhibitory effect of glucose on glucagon secretion is mediated by β‐cells via gap junction‐dependent activation of δ‐cells/somatostatin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J B Briant
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.,Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QD, UK
| | - T M Reinbothe
- Metabolic Physiology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - I Spiliotis
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - C Miranda
- Metabolic Physiology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - B Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QD, UK
| | - P Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.,Metabolic Physiology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
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21
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CFTR is involved in the regulation of glucagon secretion in human and rodent alpha cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:90. [PMID: 28273890 PMCID: PMC5428348 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon is the main counterregulatory hormone in the body. Still, the mechanism involved in the regulation of glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells remains elusive. Dysregulated glucagon secretion is common in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) that develop CF related diabetes (CFRD). CF is caused by a mutation in the Cl- channel Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), but whether CFTR is present in human alpha cells and regulate glucagon secretion has not been investigated in detail. Here, both human and mouse alpha cells showed CFTR protein expression, whereas CFTR was absent in somatostatin secreting delta cells. CFTR-current activity induced by cAMP was measured in single alpha cells. Glucagon secretion at different glucose levels and in the presence of forskolin was increased by CFTR-inhibition in human islets, whereas depolarization-induced glucagon secretion was unaffected. CFTR is suggested to mainly regulate the membrane potential through an intrinsic alpha cell effect, as supported by a mathematical model of alpha cell electrophysiology. In conclusion, CFTR channels are present in alpha cells and act as important negative regulators of cAMP-enhanced glucagon secretion through effects on alpha cell membrane potential. Our data support that loss-of-function mutations in CFTR contributes to dysregulated glucagon secretion in CFRD.
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22
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Briant LJB, Zhang Q, Vergari E, Kellard JA, Rodriguez B, Ashcroft FM, Rorsman P. Functional identification of islet cell types by electrophysiological fingerprinting. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20160999. [PMID: 28275121 PMCID: PMC5378133 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The α-, β- and δ-cells of the pancreatic islet exhibit different electrophysiological features. We used a large dataset of whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from cells in intact mouse islets (N = 288 recordings) to investigate whether it is possible to reliably identify cell type (α, β or δ) based on their electrophysiological characteristics. We quantified 15 electrophysiological variables in each recorded cell. Individually, none of the variables could reliably distinguish the cell types. We therefore constructed a logistic regression model that included all quantified variables, to determine whether they could together identify cell type. The model identified cell type with 94% accuracy. This model was applied to a dataset of cells recorded from hyperglycaemic βV59M mice; it correctly identified cell type in all cells and was able to distinguish cells that co-expressed insulin and glucagon. Based on this revised functional identification, we were able to improve conductance-based models of the electrical activity in α-cells and generate a model of δ-cell electrical activity. These new models could faithfully emulate α- and δ-cell electrical activity recorded experimentally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linford J B Briant
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Quan Zhang
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Elisa Vergari
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Joely A Kellard
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Frances M Ashcroft
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Metabolic Research, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
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23
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Pedersen MG, Tagliavini A, Cortese G, Riz M, Montefusco F. Recent advances in mathematical modeling and statistical analysis of exocytosis in endocrine cells. Math Biosci 2016; 283:60-70. [PMID: 27838280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Most endocrine cells secrete hormones as a result of Ca2+-regulated exocytosis, i.e., fusion of the membranes of hormone-containing secretory granules with the cell membrane, which allows the hormone molecules to escape to the extracellular space. As in neurons, electrical activity and cell depolarization open voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, and the resulting Ca2+ influx elevate the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which in turn causes exocytosis. Whereas the main molecular components involved in exocytosis are increasingly well understood, quantitative understanding of the dynamical aspects of exocytosis is still lacking. Due to the nontrivial spatiotemporal Ca2+ dynamics, which depends on the particular pattern of electrical activity as well as Ca2+ channel kinetics, exocytosis is dependent on the spatial arrangement of Ca2+ channels and secretory granules. For example, the creation of local Ca2+ microdomains, where the Ca2+ concentration reaches tens of µM, are believed to be important for triggering exocytosis. Spatiotemporal simulations of buffered Ca2+ diffusion have provided important insight into the interplay between electrical activity, Ca2+ channel kinetics, and the location of granules and Ca2+ channels. By confronting simulations with statistical time-to-event (or survival) regression analysis of single granule exocytosis monitored with TIRF microscopy, a direct connection between location and rate of exocytosis can be obtained at the local, single-granule level. To get insight into whole-cell secretion, simplifications of the full spatiotemporal dynamics have shown to be highly helpful. Here, we provide an overview of recent approaches and results for quantitative analysis of Ca2+ regulated exocytosis of hormone-containing granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Gram Pedersen
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Alessia Tagliavini
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Cortese
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Cesare Battisti 141, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Riz
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131 Padova, Italy; Sanofi, Industriepark Höchst, 65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Francesco Montefusco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131 Padova, Italy
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24
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Dapagliflozin stimulates glucagon secretion at high glucose: experiments and mathematical simulations of human A-cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31214. [PMID: 27535321 PMCID: PMC4989223 DOI: 10.1038/srep31214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon is one of the main regulators of blood glucose levels and dysfunctional stimulus secretion coupling in pancreatic A-cells is believed to be an important factor during development of diabetes. However, regulation of glucagon secretion is poorly understood. Recently it has been shown that Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitors used for the treatment of diabetes increase glucagon levels in man. Here, we show experimentally that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin increases glucagon secretion at high glucose levels both in human and mouse islets, but has little effect at low glucose concentrations. Because glucagon secretion is regulated by electrical activity we developed a mathematical model of A-cell electrical activity based on published data from human A-cells. With operating SGLT2, simulated glucose application leads to cell depolarization and inactivation of the voltage-gated ion channels carrying the action potential, and hence to reduce action potential height. According to our model, inhibition of SGLT2 reduces glucose-induced depolarization via electrical mechanisms. We suggest that blocking SGLTs partly relieves glucose suppression of glucagon secretion by allowing full-scale action potentials to develop. Based on our simulations we propose that SGLT2 is a glucose sensor and actively contributes to regulation of glucagon levels in humans which has clinical implications.
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Briant L, Salehi A, Vergari E, Zhang Q, Rorsman P. Glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells. Ups J Med Sci 2016; 121:113-9. [PMID: 27044683 PMCID: PMC4900066 DOI: 10.3109/03009734.2016.1156789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes involves a ménage à trois of impaired glucose regulation of pancreatic hormone release: in addition to impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion, the release of the hyperglycaemic hormone glucagon becomes dysregulated; these last-mentioned defects exacerbate the metabolic consequences of hypoinsulinaemia and are compounded further by hypersecretion of somatostatin (which inhibits both insulin and glucagon secretion). Glucagon secretion has been proposed to be regulated by either intrinsic or paracrine mechanisms, but their relative significance and the conditions under which they operate are debated. Importantly, the paracrine and intrinsic modes of regulation are not mutually exclusive; they could operate in parallel to control glucagon secretion. Here we have applied mathematical modelling of α-cell electrical activity as a novel means of dissecting the processes that underlie metabolic regulation of glucagon secretion. Our analyses indicate that basal hypersecretion of somatostatin and/or increased activity of somatostatin receptors may explain the loss of adequate counter-regulation under hypoglycaemic conditions, as well as the physiologically inappropriate stimulation of glucagon secretion during hyperglycaemia seen in diabetic patients. We therefore advocate studying the interaction of the paracrine and intrinsic mechanisms; unifying these processes may give a more complete picture of the regulation of glucagon secretion from α-cells than studying the individual parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linford Briant
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;
| | - Albert Salehi
- Metabolic Research, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Elisa Vergari
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;
| | - Quan Zhang
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;
| | - Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK;
- Metabolic Research, Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
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Gylfe E. Glucose control of glucagon secretion-'There's a brand-new gimmick every year'. Ups J Med Sci 2016; 121:120-32. [PMID: 27044660 PMCID: PMC4900067 DOI: 10.3109/03009734.2016.1154905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon from the pancreatic α-cells is a major blood glucose-regulating hormone whose most important role is to prevent hypoglycaemia that can be life-threatening due to the brain's strong dependence on glucose as energy source. Lack of blood glucose-lowering insulin after malfunction or autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β-cells is the recognized cause of diabetes, but recent evidence indicates that diabetic hyperglycaemia would not develop unless lack of insulin was accompanied by hypersecretion of glucagon. Glucagon release has therefore become an increasingly important target in diabetes management. Despite decades of research, an understanding of how glucagon secretion is regulated remains elusive, and fundamentally different mechanisms continue to be proposed. The autonomous nervous system is an important determinant of glucagon release, but it is clear that secretion is also directly regulated within the pancreatic islets. The present review focuses on pancreatic islet mechanisms involved in glucose regulation of glucagon release. It will be argued that α-cell-intrinsic processes are most important for regulation of glucagon release during recovery from hypoglycaemia and that paracrine inhibition by somatostatin from the δ-cells shapes pulsatile glucagon release in hyperglycaemia. The electrically coupled β-cells ultimately determine islet hormone pulsatility by releasing synchronizing factors that affect the α- and δ-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Gylfe
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Watts M, Ha J, Kimchi O, Sherman A. Paracrine regulation of glucagon secretion: the β/α/δ model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2016; 310:E597-E611. [PMID: 26837808 PMCID: PMC4835945 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00415.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of glucagon secretion in the pancreatic α-cell is not well understood. It has been proposed that glucose suppresses glucagon secretion either directly through an intrinsic mechanism within the α-cell or indirectly through an extrinsic mechanism. Previously, we described a mathematical model for isolated pancreatic α-cells and used it to investigate possible intrinsic mechanisms of regulating glucagon secretion. We demonstrated that glucose can suppress glucagon secretion through both ATP-dependent potassium channels (KATP) and a store-operated current (SOC). We have now developed an islet model that combines previously published mathematical models of α- and β-cells with a new model of δ-cells and use it to explore the effects of insulin and somatostatin on glucagon secretion. We show that the model can reproduce experimental observations that the inhibitory effect of glucose remains even when paracrine modulators are no longer acting on the α-cell. We demonstrate how paracrine interactions can either synchronize α- and δ-cells to produce pulsatile oscillations in glucagon and somatostatin secretion or fail to do so. The model can also account for the paradoxical observation that glucagon can be out of phase with insulin, whereas α-cell calcium is in phase with insulin. We conclude that both paracrine interactions and the α-cell's intrinsic mechanisms are needed to explain the response of glucagon secretion to glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Watts
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Joon Ha
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Ofer Kimchi
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Arthur Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
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28
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Wacquier B, Combettes L, Van Nhieu GT, Dupont G. Interplay Between Intracellular Ca(2+) Oscillations and Ca(2+)-stimulated Mitochondrial Metabolism. Sci Rep 2016; 6:19316. [PMID: 26776859 PMCID: PMC4725975 DOI: 10.1038/srep19316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oscillations of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration are a widespread mode of signalling. Oscillatory spikes rely on repetitive exchanges of Ca(2+) between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cytosol, due to the regulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors. Mitochondria also sequester and release Ca(2+), thus affecting Ca(2+) signalling. Mitochondrial Ca(2+) activates key enzymes involved in ATP synthesis. We propose a new integrative model for Ca(2+) signalling and mitochondrial metabolism in electrically non-excitable cells. The model accounts for (1) the phase relationship of the Ca(2+) changes in the cytosol, the ER and mitochondria, (2) the dynamics of mitochondrial metabolites in response to cytosolic Ca(2+) changes, and (3) the impacts of cytosol/mitochondria Ca(2+) exchanges and of mitochondrial metabolism on Ca(2+) oscillations. Simulations predict that as expected, oscillations are slowed down by decreasing the rate of Ca(2+) efflux from mitochondria, but also by decreasing the rate of Ca(2+) influx through the mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU). These predictions were experimentally validated by inhibiting MCU expression. Despite the highly non-linear character of Ca(2+) dynamics and mitochondrial metabolism, bioenergetics were found to be robust with respect to changes in frequency and amplitude of Ca(2+) oscillations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wacquier
- Unité de Chronobiologie Théorique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP231, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Combettes
- Université Paris Sud, UMRS1174, Orsay F-91405, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), UMRS1174, Orsay F-91405, France
| | - Guy Tran Van Nhieu
- Equipe Communication Intercellulaire et Infections Microbiennes, Centre de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie(CIRB), Collège de France, 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, Paris 75005, France.,Inserm, U1050, Paris 75005, France.,Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR7241, Paris 75005, France.,MEMOLIFE Laboratory of excellence and Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris 75005, France
| | - Geneviève Dupont
- Unité de Chronobiologie Théorique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP231, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Riz M, Pedersen MG. Mathematical Modeling of Interacting Glucose-Sensing Mechanisms and Electrical Activity Underlying Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Secretion. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004600. [PMID: 26630068 PMCID: PMC4667885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal L-cells sense glucose and other nutrients, and in response release glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), peptide YY and other hormones with anti-diabetic and weight-reducing effects. The stimulus-secretion pathway in L-cells is still poorly understood, although it is known that GLP-1 secreting cells use sodium-glucose co-transporters (SGLT) and ATP-sensitive K+-channels (K(ATP)-channels) to sense intestinal glucose levels. Electrical activity then transduces glucose sensing to Ca2+-stimulated exocytosis. This particular glucose-sensing arrangement with glucose triggering both a depolarizing SGLT current as well as leading to closure of the hyperpolarizing K(ATP) current is of more general interest for our understanding of glucose-sensing cells. To dissect the interactions of these two glucose-sensing mechanisms, we build a mathematical model of electrical activity underlying GLP-1 secretion. Two sets of model parameters are presented: one set represents primary mouse colonic L-cells; the other set is based on data from the GLP-1 secreting GLUTag cell line. The model is then used to obtain insight into the differences in glucose-sensing between primary L-cells and GLUTag cells. Our results illuminate how the two glucose-sensing mechanisms interact, and suggest that the depolarizing effect of SGLT currents is modulated by K(ATP)-channel activity. Based on our simulations, we propose that primary L-cells encode the glucose signal as changes in action potential amplitude, whereas GLUTag cells rely mainly on frequency modulation. The model should be useful for further basic, pharmacological and theoretical investigations of the cellular signals underlying endogenous GLP-1 and peptide YY release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Riz
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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30
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Montefusco F, Pedersen MG. Mathematical modelling of local calcium and regulated exocytosis during inhibition and stimulation of glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha-cells. J Physiol 2015; 593:4519-30. [PMID: 26236035 DOI: 10.1113/jp270777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha-cells is dysregulated in diabetes. Despite decades of investigations of the control of glucagon release by glucose and hormones, the underlying mechanisms are still debated. Recently, mathematical models have been applied to investigate the modification of electrical activity in alpha-cells as a result of glucose application. However, recent studies have shown that paracrine effects such as inhibition of glucagon secretion by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) or stimulation of release by adrenaline involve cAMP-mediated effects downstream of electrical activity. In particular, depending of the intracellular cAMP concentration, specific types of Ca(2+) channels are inhibited or activated, which interacts with mobilization of secretory granules. To investigate these aspects of alpha-cell function theoretically, we carefully developed a mathematical model of Ca(2+) levels near open or closed Ca(2+) channels of various types, which was linked to a description of Ca(2+) below the plasma membrane, in the bulk cytosol and in the endoplasmic reticulum. We investigated how the various subcellular Ca(2+) compartments contribute to control of glucagon-exocytosis in response to glucose, GLP-1 or adrenaline. Our studies refine previous modelling studies of alpha-cell function, and provide deeper insight into the control of glucagon secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Montefusco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Morten Gram Pedersen
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
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31
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Autoimmune destruction of the β cells is considered the key abnormality in type 1 diabetes mellitus and insulin replacement the primary therapeutic strategy. However, a lack of insulin is accompanied by disturbances in glucagon release, which is excessive postprandially, but insufficient during hypoglycaemia. In addition, replacing insulin alone appears insufficient for adequate glucose control. This review focuses on the growing body of evidence that glucagon abnormalities contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of diabetes and on recent efforts to target the glucagon axis as adjunctive therapy to insulin replacement. RECENT FINDINGS This review discusses recent (since 2013) advances in abnormalities of glucagon regulation and their link to the pathophysiology of diabetes; new mechanisms of glucagon action and regulation; manipulation of glucagon in diabetes treatment; and analytical and systems biology tools to study glucagon regulation. SUMMARY Recent efforts 'resurrected' glucagon as a key hormone in the pathophysiology of diabetes. New studies target its abnormal regulation and action that is key for improving diabetes treatment. The progress is promising, but major questions remain, including unravelling the mechanism of loss of glucagon counterregulation in type 1 diabetes mellitus and how best to manipulate glucagon to achieve more efficient and safer glycaemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon S Farhy
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine and Center for Diabetes Technology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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32
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Rorsman P, Ramracheya R, Rorsman NJG, Zhang Q. ATP-regulated potassium channels and voltage-gated calcium channels in pancreatic alpha and beta cells: similar functions but reciprocal effects on secretion. Diabetologia 2014; 57:1749-61. [PMID: 24906950 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Closure of ATP-regulated K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels) plays a central role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta cells. K(ATP) channels are also highly expressed in glucagon-producing alpha cells, where their function remains unresolved. Under hypoglycaemic conditions, K(ATP) channels are open in alpha cells but their activity is low and only ~1% of that in beta cells. Like beta cells, alpha cells respond to hyperglycaemia with K(ATP) channel closure, membrane depolarisation and stimulation of action potential firing. Yet, hyperglycaemia reciprocally regulates glucagon (inhibition) and insulin secretion (stimulation). Here we discuss how this conundrum can be resolved and how reduced K(ATP) channel activity, via membrane depolarisation, paradoxically reduces alpha cell Ca(2+) entry and glucagon exocytosis. Finally, we consider whether the glucagon secretory defects associated with diabetes can be attributed to impaired K(ATP) channel regulation and discuss the potential for remedial pharmacological intervention using sulfonylureas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Rorsman
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK,
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