Molecular defects in insulin secretion in type-2 diabetes

Screening of Relevant Metabolism-Disrupting Chemicals on Pancreatic β-Cells: Evaluation of Murine and Human In Vitro Models

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemical substances that can interfere with the normal function of the endocrine system. EDCs are ubiquitous and can be found in a variety of consumer products such as food packaging materials, personal care and household products, plastic additives, and flame retardants. Over the last decade, the impact of EDCs on human health has been widely acknowledged as they have been associated with different endocrine diseases. Among them, a subset called metabolism-disrupting chemicals (MDCs) is able to promote metabolic changes that can lead to the development of metabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity, hepatic steatosis, and metabolic syndrome, among others. Despite this, today, there are still no definitive and standardized in vitro tools to support the metabolic risk assessment of existing and emerging MDCs for regulatory purposes. Here, we evaluated the following two different pancreatic cell-based in vitro systems: the murine pancreatic β-cell line MIN6 as well as the human pancreatic β-cell line EndoC-βH1. Both were challenged with the following range of relevant concentrations of seven well-known EDCs: (bisphenol-A (BPA), bisphenol-S (BPS), bisphenol-F (BPF), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), cadmium chloride (CdCl2), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE)). The screening revealed that most of the tested chemicals have detectable, deleterious effects on glucose-stimulated insulin release, insulin content, electrical activity, gene expression, and/or viability. Our data provide new molecular information on the direct effects of the selected chemicals on key aspects of pancreatic β-cell function, such as the stimulus-secretion coupling and ion channel activity. In addition, we found that, in general, the sensitivity and responses were comparable to those from other in vivo studies reported in the literature. Overall, our results suggest that both systems can serve as effective tools for the rapid screening of potential MDC effects on pancreatic β-cell physiology as well as for deciphering and better understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie their action.

Beta-cell autophagy under the scope of hypoglycemic drugs; possible mechanism as a novel therapeutic target

Physiologically, autophagy is a major protective mechanism of β-cells from apoptosis, through can reserve normal β- cell mass and inhibit the progression of β-cells destruction. Beta-cell mass can be affected by differentiation from progenitors and de-differentiation as well as self-renewal and apoptosis. Shred evidence indicated that hypoglycemic drugs can induce β-cell proliferation capacity and neogenesis via autophagy stimulation. However, prolonged use of selective hypoglycemic drugs has induced pancreatitis besides several other factors that contribute to β-cell destruction and apoptosis initiation. Interestingly, some nonhypoglycemic medications possess the same effects on β-cells but depending on the combination of these drugs and the duration of exposure to β-cells. The paper comprehensively illustrates the role of the hypoglycemic drugs on the insulin-producing cells and the pathogeneses of β-cell destruction in type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to the regulation mechanisms of β-cells division in norm and pathology. The grasping of the hypoglycemic drug’s role in beta-cell is clinically crucial to evaluate novel therapeutic targets such as new signaling pathways. The present paper addresses a new strategy for diabetes mellitus management via targeting specific autophagy inducer factors (transcription factors, genes, lipid molecules, etc.).

Expression of truncated Kir6.2 promotes insertion of functionally inverted ATP-sensitive K+ channels

ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K_ATP) channels couple cellular metabolism to electrical activity in many cell types. Wild-type K_ATP channels are comprised of four pore forming (Kir6.x) and four regulatory (sulfonylurea receptor, SURx) subunits that each contain RKR endoplasmic reticulum retention sequences that serve to properly translocate the channel to the plasma membrane. Truncated Kir6.x variants lacking RKR sequences facilitate plasma membrane expression of functional Kir6.x in the absence of SURx; however, the effects of channel truncation on plasma membrane orientation have not been explored. To investigate the role of truncation on plasma membrane orientation of ATP sensitive K⁺ channels, three truncated variants of Kir6.2 were used (Kir6.2ΔC26, 6xHis-Kir6.2ΔC26, and 6xHis-EGFP-Kir6.2ΔC26). Oocyte expression of Kir6.2ΔC26 shows the presence of a population of inverted inserted channels in the plasma membrane, which is not present when co-expressed with SUR1. Immunocytochemical staining of intact and permeabilized HEK293 cells revealed that the N-terminus of 6xHis-Kir6.2ΔC26 was accessible on both sides of the plasma membrane at roughly equivalent ratios, whereas the N-terminus of 6xHis-EGFP-Kir6.2Δ26 was only accessible on the intracellular face. In HEK293 cells, whole-cell electrophysiological recordings showed a ca. 50% reduction in K⁺ current upon addition of ATP to the extracellular solution for 6xHis-Kir6.2ΔC26, though sensitivity to extracellular ATP was not observed in 6xHis-EGFP-Kir6.2ΔC26. Importantly, the population of channels that is inverted exhibited similar function to properly inserted channels within the plasma membrane. Taken together, these data suggest that in the absence of SURx, inverted channels can be formed from truncated Kir6.x subunits that are functionally active which may provide a new model for testing pharmacological modulators of Kir6.x, but also indicates the need for added caution when using truncated Kir6.2 mutants.

Electrophysiological properties of human beta-cell lines EndoC-βH1 and -βH2 conform with human beta-cells

Limited access to human islets has prompted the development of human beta cell models. The human beta cell lines EndoC-βH1 and EndoC-βH2 are increasingly used by the research community. However, little is known of their electrophysiological and secretory properties. Here, we monitored parameters that constitute the glucose-triggering pathway of insulin release. Both cell lines respond to glucose (6 and 20 mM) with 2- to 3-fold stimulation of insulin secretion which correlated with an elevation of [Ca²⁺]_i, membrane depolarisation and increased action potential firing. Similar to human primary beta cells, K_ATP channel activity is low at 1 mM glucose and is further reduced upon increasing glucose concentration; an effect that was mimicked by the K_ATP channel blocker tolbutamide. The upstroke of the action potentials reflects the activation of Ca²⁺ channels with some small contribution of TTX-sensitive Na⁺ channels. The repolarisation involves activation of voltage-gated Kv2.2 channels and large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated K⁺ channels. Exocytosis presented a similar kinetics to human primary beta cells. The ultrastructure of these cells shows insulin vesicles composed of an electron-dense core surrounded by a thin clear halo. We conclude that the EndoC-βH1 and -βH2 cells share many features of primary human β-cells and thus represent a useful experimental model.

Molecular mechanisms involved in the non-monotonic effect of bisphenol-a on ca2+ entry in mouse pancreatic β-cells

In regulatory toxicology, the dose-response relationship is a key element towards fulfilling safety assessments and satisfying regulatory authorities. Conventionally, the larger the dose, the greater the response, following the dogma “the dose makes the poison”. Many endocrine disrupting chemicals, including bisphenol-A (BPA), induce non-monotonic dose response (NMDR) relationships, which are unconventional and have tremendous implications in risk assessment. Although several molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain NMDR relationships, they are largely undemonstrated. Using mouse pancreatic β-cells from wild-type and oestrogen receptor ERβ−/− mice, we found that exposure to increasing doses of BPA affected Ca²⁺ entry in an NMDR manner. Low doses decreased plasma membrane Ca²⁺ currents after downregulation of Cav2.3 ion channel expression, in a process involving ERβ. High doses decreased Ca²⁺ currents through an ERβ-mediated mechanism and simultaneously increased Ca²⁺ currents via oestrogen receptor ERα. The outcome of both molecular mechanisms explains the NMDR relationship between BPA and Ca²⁺ entry in β-cells.

Molecular mechanisms redirecting the GLP-1 receptor signalling profile in pancreatic β-cells during type 2 diabetes

Treatments with β-cell preserving properties are essential for the management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the new therapeutic avenues, developed over the last years, rely on the physiological role of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Sustained pharmacological levels of GLP-1 are achieved by subcutaneous administration of GLP-1 analogues, while transient and lower physiological levels of GLP-1 are attained following treatment with inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4), an endoprotease which degrades the peptide. Both therapeutic classes display a sustained and durable hypoglycaemic action in patients with T2D. However, the GLP-1 incretin effect is known to be reduced in patients with T2D, and GLP-1 analogues and DPP4 inhibitors were shown to lose their effectiveness over time in some patients. The pathological mechanisms behind these observations can be either a decrease in GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L-cells and, as a consequence, a reduction in GLP-1 plasma concentrations, combined or not with a reduced action of GLP-1 in the β-cell, the so-called GLP-1 resistance. Much evidence for a GLP-1 resistance of the β-cell in subjects with T2D have emerged. Here, we review the potential roles of the genetic background, the hyperglycaemia, the hyperlipidaemia, the prostaglandin E receptor 3, the nuclear glucocorticoid receptor, the GLP-1R desensitization and internalisation processes, and the β-arrestin-1 expression levels on GLP-1 resistance in β-cells during T2D.

Review: Insulin secretion: function and therapy of pancreatic beta-cells in diabetes

nsulin is secreted from the beta-cells of the pancreatic islets in response to an elevation of blood glucose concentration. This review describes a current view of the metabolic control of insulin secretion and the molecular mechanisms involved, including the role played by the beta-cell to ensure correct release of insulin as a result of electrical signals. It then considers what goes wrong in type 2 diabetes, a disease resulting from insufficient insulin secretion. It focuses on the influence of genetics exploring the theory of a genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes, as well as the roles played by age and obesity. Finally, the mode of action of the hypoglycaemic sulphonylureas is discussed and the potential implications for the beta-cell associated with a sulphonylurea-based therapy.

PI3K regulates endocytosis after insulin secretion by mediating signaling crosstalk between Arf6 and Rab27a

In secretory cells, endocytosis is coupled to exocytosis to enable proper secretion. Although endocytosis is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis before and after secretion, knowledge about secretagogue-induced endocytosis in secretory cells is still limited. Here, we searched for proteins that interacted with the Rab27a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) EPI64 (also known as TBC1D10A) and identified the Arf6 guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF) ARNO (also known as CYTH2) in pancreatic β-cells. We found that the insulin secretagogue glucose promotes phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3) generation through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), thereby recruiting ARNO to the intracellular side of the plasma membrane. Peripheral ARNO promotes clathrin assembly through its GEF activity for Arf6 and regulates the early stage of endocytosis. We also found that peripheral ARNO recruits EPI64 to the same area and that the interaction requires glucose-induced endocytosis in pancreatic β-cells. Given that GTP- and GDP-bound Rab27a regulate exocytosis and the late stage of endocytosis, our results indicate that the glucose-induced activation of PI3K plays a pivotal role in exocytosis-endocytosis coupling, and that ARNO and EPI64 regulate endocytosis at distinct stages.

Interplay between Rab27a effectors in pancreatic β-cells

The small GTPase Rab27a is a member of the Rab family that is involved in membrane trafficking in various kinds of cells. Rab27a has GTP- and GDP-bound forms, and their interconversion regulates intracellular signaling pathways. Typically, only a GTP-bound GTPase binds its specific effectors with the resulting downstream signals controlling specific cellular functions. We previously identified novel Rab27a-interacting proteins. Surprisingly, some of these proteins interacted with GDP-bound Rab27a. The present study reviews recent progress in our understanding of the roles of Rab27a and its effectors in the secretory process. In pancreatic β-cells, GTP-bound Rab27a regulates insulin secretion at the pre-exocytotic stages via its GTP-specific effectors such as Exophilin8/Slac2-c/MyRIP and Slp4/Granuphilin. Glucose stimulation causes insulin exocytosis. Glucose stimulation also converts Rab27a from its GTP- to its GDP-bound form. GDP-bound Rab27a interacts with GDP-specific effectors and controls endocytosis of the secretory membrane. Thus, Rab27a cycling between GTP- and GDP-bound forms synchronizes with the recycling of secretory membrane to re-use the membrane and keep the β-cell volume constant.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide signaling in pancreatic β-cells and adipocytes

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) was the first incretin to be identified. In addition to stimulating insulin secretion, GIP plays regulatory roles in the maintenance, growth and survival of pancreatic islets, as well as impacting on adipocyte function. The current review focuses on the intracellular signaling pathways by which GIP contributes to the regulation of β‐cell secretion and survival, and adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis. Studies on signaling underlying the insulinotropic actions of the incretin hormones have largely been carried out with glucagon‐like peptide‐1. They have provided evidence for contributions by both protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein directly activated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (EPAC2), and their probable role in GIP signaling is discussed. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of the kinase apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) by GIP plays a key role in reducing mitochondria‐induced apoptosis in β‐cells through protein kinase B (PKB)‐mediated pathways, and that GIP‐induced post‐translational modification of voltage‐ dependent K⁺ (Kv) channels also contributes to its prosurvival role. Through regulation of gene expression, GIP tips the balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic members of the B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) protein family towards β‐cell survival. GIP also plays important roles in the differentiation of pre‐adipocytes to adipocytes, and in the regulation of lipoprotein lipase expression and lipogenesis. These events involve interactions between GIP, insulin and resistin signaling pathways. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00196.x, 2012)

Insulinotropic and β-cell protective action of cuminaldehyde, cuminol and an inhibitor isolated from Cuminum cyminum in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Cuminum cyminum, a commonly used spice, is known to have anti-diabetic action. The present study aims towards the isolation of bioactive components from C. cyminum and the evaluation of their insulin secretagogue potential with the probable mechanism and β-cell protective action. The anti-diabetic activity was detected in the petroleum ether (pet ether) fraction of the C. cyminum distillate and studied through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Bioactive components were identified through GC-MS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and NMR analysis. The isolated components were evaluated for their insulin secretagogue action using rat pancreatic islets. Further, the probable mechanism of stimulation of islets was evaluated through in vitro studies using diazoxide, nifedipine and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. β-Cell protection was evaluated using the (1-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenylformazan) (MTT) assay, the alkaline comet assay and nitrite production. The administration of the pet ether fraction for 45 d to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats revealed an improved lipid profile. Cuminaldehyde and cuminol were identified as potent insulinotrophic components. Cuminaldehyde and cuminol (25 μg/ml) showed 3·34- and 3·85-fold increased insulin secretion, respectively, than the 11·8 mm-glucose control. The insulinotrophic action of both components was glucose-dependent and due to the closure of the ATP-sensitive K (K⁺-ATP) channel and the increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration. An inhibitor of insulin secretion with potent β-cell protective action was also isolated from the same pet ether fraction. In conclusion, C. cyminum was able to lower blood glucose without causing hypoglycaemia or β-cell burn out. Hence, the commonly used spice, C. cyminum, has the potential to be used as a novel insulinotrophic therapy for prolonged treatment of diabetes.

An exploratory study of the association between KCNB1 rs1051295 and type 2 diabetes and its related traits in Chinese Han population

Since the KCNB1 encoding Kv2.1 channel accounts for the majority of Kv currents modulating insulin secretion by pancreatic islet beta-cells, we postulated that KCNB1 is a plausible candidate gene for genetic variation contributing to the variable compensatory secretory function of beta-cells in type-2 diabetes (T2D). We conducted two studies, a case-control study and a cross-section study, to investigate the association of common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KCNB1 with T2D and its linking traits. In the case-control study, we first examined the association of 20 tag SNPs of KCNB1 with T2D in a population with 226 T2D patients and non-diabetic subjects (screening study). We then identified the association in an enlarged population of 412 T2D patients and non-diabetic subjects (replication study). In the cross-sectional study, we investigated the linkage between the candidate SNP rs1051295 and T2D by comparing beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity among rs1051295 genotypes in a general population of 1051 subjects at fasting and after glucose loading (oral glucose tolerance tests, OGTT) in 84 fasting glucose impaired subjects, and several T2D-related traits. We found that among the 19 available tag SNPs, only the KCNB1 rs1051295 was associated with T2D (P = 0.027), with the rs1051295 TT genotype associated with an increased risk of T2D compared with genotypes CC (P = 0.009). At fasting, rs1051295 genotype TT was associated with a 9.8% reduction in insulin sensitivity compared to CC (P = 0.008); along with increased plasma triglycerides (TG) levels (TT/CC: P = 0.046) and increased waist/hip (W/H) ratio (TT/CC: P = 0.013; TT/TC: P = 0.002). OGTT confirmed that genotype TT exhibited reduced insulin sensitivity by 16.3% (P = 0.030) compared with genotype TC+CC in a fasting glucose impaired population. The KCNB1 rs1051295 genotype TT in the Chinese Han population is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased plasma TG and W/H ratio, which together contribute to an increased risk for T2D.

Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) acts as a novel modulator of macrophage inflammatory responses

Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) is a mitochondrial redox-driven proton pump that couples the production of NADPH to the mitochondrial metabolic rate. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that NNT has a significant effect in the modulation of the immune response and host defense against pathogens. We found that NNT mRNA is enriched in immune system-related tissues and regulated during macrophage activation. Overexpression of NNT in a macrophage cell-line resulted in decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide upon induction of the macrophage inflammatory responses. These cells failed to fully activate MAPK signaling pathways, resulting in defective secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in response to LPS, and were inefficient in clearance of intracellular bacteria. We have shown that C57BL/6J mice, which have a deletion in the Nnt gene, exhibited greater resistance to acute pulmonary infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Macrophages from these mice generated more ROS and established a stronger inflammatory response to this pathogen. Our results demonstrate a novel role for NNT as a regulator of macrophage-mediated inflammatory responses.

Novel roles of SUMO in pancreatic β-cells: thinking outside the nucleus

The endocrine pancreas is critically important in the regulation of energy metabolism, with defective insulin secretion from pancreatic islet β-cells a major contributing factor to the development of type 2 diabetes. Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins have been demonstrated to covalently modify a wide range of target proteins, mediating a broad range of cellular processes. While the effects of SUMOylation on β-cell gene transcription have been previously reviewed, recent reports indicate roles for SUMO outside of the nucleus. In this review we shall focus on the reported non-nuclear roles of SUMOylation in the regulation of β-cells, including SUMOylation as a novel signaling pathway in the acute regulation of insulin secretion.

The ATP-sensitive K(+) channel ABCC8 S1369A type 2 diabetes risk variant increases MgATPase activity

Pancreatic β-cell ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels are composed of Kir6.2 and SUR1 subunits encoded by the KCNJ11 and ABCC8 genes, respectively. Although rare monogenic activating mutations in these genes cause overt neonatal diabetes, the common variants E23K (KCNJ11) and S1369A (ABCC8) form a tightly heritable haplotype that is associated with an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. However, the molecular mechanism(s) underlying this risk remain to be elucidated. A homology model of the SUR1 nucleotide-binding domains (NBDs) indicates that residue 1369 is in close proximity to the major MgATPase site. Therefore, we investigated the intrinsic MgATPase activity of K(ATP) channels containing these variants. Electrophysiological and biochemical techniques were used to study the MgATPase activity of recombinant human K(ATP) channels or glutathione S-transferase and NBD2 fusion proteins containing the E23/S1369 (nonrisk) or K23/A1369 (risk) variant haplotypes. K(ATP) channels containing the K23/A1369 haplotype displayed a significantly increased stimulation by guanosine triphosphate compared with the E23/S1369 haplotype (3.2- vs. 1.8-fold). This effect was dependent on the presence of the A1369 variant and was lost in the absence of Mg(2+) ions or in the presence of the MgATPase inhibitor beryllium fluoride. Direct biochemical assays also confirmed an increase in MgATPase activity in NBD2 fusion proteins containing the A1369 variant. Our findings demonstrate that the A1369 variant increases K(ATP) channel MgATPase activity, providing a plausible molecular mechanism by which the K23/A1369 haplotype increases susceptibility to T2D in humans homozygous for these variants.

Glucose increases activity and Ca2+ in insulin-producing cells of adult Drosophila

We sought to understand the mechanisms underlying glucose sensing in Drosophila melanogaster. We found that insulin-producing cells (IPCs) of adult Drosophila respond to glucose and glibenclamide with a burst-like pattern of activity. Under controlled conditions IPCs have a resting membrane potential of -62+/-4 mV. In response to glucose or glibenclamide, IPCs generate action potentials at a threshold of -36+/-1.4 mV with an amplitude of 46+/-4 mV and width of 9.3+/-1.8 ms. Real-time Ca imaging confirms that IPCs respond to glucose and glibenclamide with increased intracellular Ca. These results provide the first detailed characterization of electrical properties of IPCs of adult Drosophila and suggest that these cells sense glucose by a mechanism similar to mammalian pancreatic β cells.

Glucosensing and glucose homeostasis: from fish to mammals

This review is focused on two topics related to glucose in vertebrates. In a first section devoted to glucose homeostasis we describe how glucose levels fluctuate and are regulated in different classes of vertebrates. The detection of these fluctuations is essential for homeostasis and for other physiological processes such as regulation of food intake. The capacity of that detection is known as glucosensing, and the different mechanisms through which it occurs are known as glucosensors. Different glucosensor mechanisms have been demonstrated in different tissues and organs of rodents and humans whereas the information obtained for other vertebrates is scarce. In the second section of the review we describe the present knowledge regarding glucosensor mechanisms in different groups of vertebrates, with special emphasis in fish.

Rab27a in pancreatic beta-cells, a busy protein in membrane trafficking

The small GTPases have the 'active' GTP-bound and 'inactive' GDP-bound states, and thereby act as a molecular switch in cells. Rab27a is a member of this family and exists in T-lymphocytes, melanocytes and pancreatic beta-cells. Rab27a regulates secretion of cytolytic granules from cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and intracellular transport of melanosomes in melanocytes. In pancreatic beta-cells, Rab27a controls pre-exocytotic stages of insulin secretion. A few GTP-dependent Rab27a effectors are known to mediate these cellular functions. We recently found that Rab27a also possesses the GDP-dependent effector coronin 3. Coronin 3 regulates endocytosis in pancreatic beta-cells through its interaction with GDP-Rab27a. These results imply that GTP- and GDP-Rab27a actively regulate distinct stages in the insulin secretory pathway. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles of both GTP- and GDP-Rab27a in pancreatic beta-cells.

A high-throughput assay for modulators of NNT activity in permeabilized yeast cells

Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT) mutant mice show glucose intolerance with impaired insulin secretion during glucose tolerance tests. Uncoupling of the β cell mitochondrial metabolism due to such mutations makes NNT a novel target for therapeutics in the treatment of pathologies such as type 2 diabetes. The authors propose that increasing NNT activity would help reduce deleterious buildup of reactive oxygen species in the inner mitochondrial matrix. They have expressed human Nnt cDNA for the first time in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and transhydrogenase activity in mitochondria isolated from these cells is six times greater than is seen in wild-type mitochondria. The same mitochondria have partially uncoupled respiration, and the cells have slower growth rates compared to cells that do not express NNT. The authors have used NNT's role as a redox-driven proton pump to develop a robust fluorimetric assay in permeabilized yeast. Screening in parallel a library of known pharmacologically active compounds (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke collection) against NNT ± cells, they demonstrate a robust and reproducible assay suitable for expansion into larger and more diverse compound sets. The identification of NNT activators may help in the elucidation of the role of NNT in mammalian cells and assessing its potential as a therapeutic target for insulin secretion disorders.

Delayed onset of hyperglycaemia in a mouse model with impaired glucagon secretion demonstrates that dysregulated glucagon secretion promotes hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 2 diabetes is caused by relative deficiency of insulin secretion and is associated with dysregulation of glucagon secretion during the late stage of diabetes development. Like insulin secretion from beta cells, glucagon secretion is dependent on calcium signals and a calcium sensing protein, synaptotagmin-7. In this study, we tested the relative contribution of dysregulated glucagon secretion and reduced insulin release in the development of hyperglycaemia and type 2 diabetes by using synaptotagmin-7 knockout (KO) mice, which exhibit glucose intolerance, reduced insulin secretion and nearly abolished Ca(2+)-stimulated glucagon secretion.

METHODS

We fed the synaptotagmin-7 KO and control mice with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks, and compared their body weight, glucose levels, glucose and insulin tolerance, and insulin and glucagon secretion.

RESULTS

On the HFD, synaptotagmin-7 KO mice showed progressive impairment of glucose tolerance and insulin secretion, along with continued maintenance of a low glucagon level. The control mice were less affected in terms of glucose intolerance, and showed enhanced insulin secretion with a concurrent increase in glucagon levels. Unexpectedly, after 14 weeks of HFD feeding, only the control mice displayed resting hyperglycaemia, whereas in synaptotagmin-7 KO mice defective insulin secretion and reduced insulin sensitivity were not sufficient to cause hyperglycaemia in the absence of enhanced glucagon secretion.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data uncover a previously overlooked role of dysregulated glucagon secretion in promoting hyperglycaemia and the ensuing diabetes, and strongly suggest maintenance of adequate regulation of glucagon secretion as an important therapeutic target in addition to the preservation of beta cell function and mass in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

Pleiotropic actions of the incretin hormones

The insulin secretory response to a meal results largely from glucose stimulation of the pancreatic islets and both direct and indirect (autonomic) glucose-dependent stimulation by incretin hormones released from the gastrointestinal tract. Two incretins, Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), have so far been identified. Localization of the cognate G protein-coupled receptors for GIP and GLP-1 revealed that they are present in numerous tissues in addition to the endocrine pancreas, including the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, central nervous and autonomic nervous systems (ANSs), adipose tissue, and bone. At these sites, the incretin hormones exert a range of pleiotropic effects, many of which contribute to the integration of processes involved in the regulation of food intake, and nutrient and mineral processing and storage. From detailed studies at the cellular and molecular level, it is also evident that both incretin hormones act via multiple signal transduction pathways that regulate both acute and long-term cell function. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge relating to the physiological roles of GIP and GLP-1, with specific emphasis on their modes of action on islet hormone secretion, β-cell proliferation and survival, central and autonomic neuronal function, gastrointestinal motility, and glucose and lipid metabolism. However, it is emphasized that despite intensive research on the various body systems, in many cases there is uncertainty as to the pathways by which the incretins mediate their pleiotropic effects and only a rudimentary understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms involved, and these are challenges for the future.

Increased uncoupling protein (UCP) activity in Drosophila insulin-producing neurons attenuates insulin signaling and extends lifespan

To understand the role of mitochondrial uncoupling protein (UCP) in regulating insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis, we created transgenicDrosophila lines with targeted UCP expression in insulin producing cells (IPCs). Increased UCP activity in IPCs results in decreased steady state Ca²⁺ levels in IPCs as well as decreased PI3K activity and increased FoxO nuclear localization in periphery. This reduced systemic insulin signaling is accompanied by a mild hyperglycemia and extended life span. To test the hypothesis that ATP-sensitive potassium (K_ATP) channels may link changes in metabolic activity (e.g., glucose mediated ATP production or UCP-mediated ATP reduction) with insulin secretion, we characterized the effects of glucose and a specific K_ATP channel blocker, glibenclamide on membrane potential in adult IPCs. Exposure to glucose depolarizes membrane potential of IPCs and this effect is mimicked with glibenclamide, suggesting that K_ATP channels contribute to the mechanism whereby IPCs sense changes in circulating sugar. Further, as demonstrated in mammalian β-pancreatic cells, high glucose initiates a robust Ca²⁺ influx in adult IPCs. The presence of functional K_ATP channels in adult IPCs is further substantiated by in situ hybridization detecting the transcript for the sulfonylurea receptor (Sur) subunit of the K_ATP channel in those cells. Quantitative expression analysis demon-strates a reduction in transcripts for both Sur and the inward rectifying potassium channel (Kir) subunits when IPCs are partially ablated. In summary, we have demonstrated a role for UCP in adult Drosophila IPCs in influencing systemic insulin signaling and longevity by a mechanism that may involve K_ATP channels.

The GDP-dependent Rab27a effector coronin 3 controls endocytosis of secretory membrane in insulin-secreting cell lines

Rab27a is involved in the control of membrane traffic, a crucial step in the regulated secretion. Typically, the guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-bound form has been considered to be active and, therefore, searching for proteins binding to the GTP-form has been attempted to look for their effectors. Here, we have identified the actin-bundling protein coronin 3 as a novel Rab27a effector that paradoxically bound guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-Rab27a in the pancreatic beta-cell line MIN6. Coronin 3 directly bound GDP-Rab27a through its beta-propeller structure. The most important insulin secretagogue glucose promptly shifted Rab27a from the GTP- to GDP-bound form. Knockdown of coronin 3 by RNAi resulted in the inhibition of phogrin (an insulin-granule-associated protein) internalization and the uptake of FM4-64 (a marker of endocytosis). Similar results were reproduced by disruption of the coronin-3-GDP-Rab27a interaction with the dominant-negative coronin 3, and coexpression of the GDP-Rab27a mutant rescued these changes. Taken together, our results indicate that interaction of GDP-Rab27a and coronin 3 is important in stimulus-endocytosis coupling, and that GTP- and GDP-Rab27a regulates insulin membrane recycling at the distinct stages.

Elevation in intracellular long-chain acyl-coenzyme A esters lead to reduced beta-cell excitability via activation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate-sensitive potassium channels

Closure of pancreatic beta-cell ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels links glucose metabolism to electrical activity and insulin secretion. It is now known that saturated, but not polyunsaturated, long-chain acyl-coenyzme A esters (acyl-CoAs) can potently activate K(ATP) channels when superfused directly across excised membrane patches, suggesting a plausible mechanism to account for reduced beta-cell excitability and insulin secretion observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, reduced beta-cell excitability due to elevation of endogenous saturated acyl-CoAs has not been confirmed in intact pancreatic beta-cells. To test this notion directly, endogenous acyl-CoA levels were elevated within primary mouse beta-cells using virally delivered overexpression of long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase-1 (AdACSL-1), and the effects on beta-cell K(ATP) channel activity and cell excitability was assessed using the perforated whole-cell and cell-attached patch-clamp technique. Data indicated a significant increase in K(ATP) channel activity in AdACSL-1-infected beta-cells cultured in medium supplemented with palmitate/oleate but not with the polyunsaturated fat linoleate. No changes in the ATP/ADP ratio were observed in any of the groups. Furthermore, AdACSL-1-infected beta-cells (with palmitate/oleate) showed a significant decrease in electrical responsiveness to glucose and tolbutamide and a hyperpolarized resting membrane potential at 5 mm glucose. These results suggest a direct link between intracellular fatty ester accumulation and K(ATP) channel activation, which may contribute to beta-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes.

Impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance in synaptotagmin-7 null mutant mice

Vertebrates express at least 15 different synaptotagmins with the same domain structure but diverse localizations and tissue distributions. Synaptotagmin-1,-2, and -9 act as calcium sensors for the fast phrase of neurotransmitter release, and synaptotagmin-12 acts as a calcium-independent modulator of release. The exact functions of the remaining 11 synaptotagmins, however, have not been established. By analogy to the role of synaptotagmin-1, -2, and -9 in neurotransmission, these other synaptotagmins may serve as Ca(2+) transducers regulating other Ca(2+)-dependent membrane processes, such as insulin secretion in pancreatic beta-cells. Of these other synaptotagmins, synaptotagmin-7 is one of the most abundant and is present in pancreatic beta-cells. To determine whether synaptotagmin-7 regulates Ca(2+)-dependent insulin secretion, we analyzed synaptotagmin-7 null mutant mice for glucose tolerance and insulin release. Here, we show that synaptotagmin-7 is required for the maintenance of systemic glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Mutant mice have normal insulin sensitivity, insulin production, islet architecture and ultrastructural organization, and metabolic and calcium responses but exhibit impaired glucose-induced insulin secretion, indicating a calcium-sensing defect during insulin-containing secretory granule exocytosis. Taken together, our findings show that synaptotagmin-7 functions as a positive regulator of insulin secretion and may serve as a calcium sensor controlling insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.

Animal models to test drugs with potential antidiabetic activity

Although medicinal plants have been historically used for diabetes treatment throughout the world, few of them have been validated by scientific criteria. Recently, a large diversity of animal models has been developed to better understand the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and new drugs have been introduced in the market to treat this disease. The aim of this work was to review the available animal models of diabetes and some in vitro models which have been used as tools to investigate the mechanism of action of drugs with potential antidiabetic properties. In addition, a MEDLINE/PUBMED search for articles on natural products, pancreatectomy and diabetes mellitus treatment published between 1996 and 2006 was done. In the majority of the studies, natural products mainly derived from plants have been tested in diabetes models induced by chemical agents. This review contributes to the researcher in the ethnopharmacology field to designs new strategies for the development of novel drugs to treat this serious condition that constitutes a global public health.

Testosterone deficiency impairs glucose oxidation through defective insulin and its receptor gene expression in target tissues of adult male rats

Testosterone and insulin interact in their actions on target tissues. Most of the studies that address this issue have focused on the physiological concentration of testosterone, which maintains normal insulin sensitivity but has deleterious effects on the same when the concentration of testosterone is out of this range. However, molecular basis of the action of testosterone in the early step of insulin action is not known. The present study has been designed to assess the impact of testosterone on insulin receptor gene expression and glucose oxidation in target tissues of adult male rat. Adult male albino rats were orchidectomized and supplemented with testosterone (100 microg/100 g b. wt., twice daily) for 15 days from the 11th day of post orchidectomy. On the day after the last treatment, animals were euthanized and blood was collected for the assay of plasma glucose, serum testosterone and insulin. Skeletal muscles, such as gracilis and quadriceps, liver and adipose tissue were dissected out and used for the assay of various parameters such as insulin receptor concentration, insulin receptor mRNA level and glucose oxidation. Testosterone deprivation due to orchidectomy decreased serum insulin concentration. In addition to this, insulin receptor number and its mRNA level and glucose oxidation in target tissues were significantly decreased (p<0.05) when compared to control. However, testosterone replacement in orchidectomized rats restored all these parameters to control level. It is concluded from this study that testosterone deficiency-induced defective glucose oxidation in skeletal muscles, liver and adipose tissue is mediated through impaired expression of insulin and its receptor gene.

The role of voltage-gated calcium channels in pancreatic beta-cell physiology and pathophysiology

Voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels are ubiquitously expressed in various cell types throughout the body. In principle, the molecular identity, biophysical profile, and pharmacological property of CaV channels are independent of the cell type where they reside, whereas these channels execute unique functions in different cell types, such as muscle contraction, neurotransmitter release, and hormone secretion. At least six CaValpha1 subunits, including CaV1.2, CaV1.3, CaV2.1, CaV2.2, CaV2.3, and CaV3.1, have been identified in pancreatic beta-cells. These pore-forming subunits complex with certain auxiliary subunits to conduct L-, P/Q-, N-, R-, and T-type CaV currents, respectively. beta-Cell CaV channels take center stage in insulin secretion and play an important role in beta-cell physiology and pathophysiology. CaV3 channels become expressed in diabetes-prone mouse beta-cells. Point mutation in the human CaV1.2 gene results in excessive insulin secretion. Trinucleotide expansion in the human CaV1.3 and CaV2.1 gene is revealed in a subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes. beta-Cell CaV channels are regulated by a wide range of mechanisms, either shared by other cell types or specific to beta-cells, to always guarantee a satisfactory concentration of Ca2+. Inappropriate regulation of beta-cell CaV channels causes beta-cell dysfunction and even death manifested in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This review summarizes current knowledge of CaV channels in beta-cell physiology and pathophysiology.

Glucose induces anion conductance and cytosol-to-membrane transposition of ICln in INS-1E rat insulinoma cells

The metabolic coupling of insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells is mediated by membrane depolarization due to increased glucose-driven ATP production and closure of K(ATP) channels. Alternative pathways may involve the activation of anion channels by cell swelling upon glucose uptake. In INS-1E insulinoma cells superfusion with an isotonic solution containing 20 mM glucose or a 30% hypotonic solution leads to the activation of a chloride conductance with biophysical and pharmacological properties of anion currents activated in many other cell types during regulatory volume decrease (RVD), i.e. outward rectification, inactivation at positive membrane potentials and block by anion channel inhibitors like NPPB, DIDS, 4-hydroxytamoxifen and extracellular ATP. The current is not inhibited by tolbutamide and remains activated for at least 10 min when reducing the extracellular glucose concentration from 20 mM to 5 mM, but inactivates back to control levels when cells are exposed to a 20% hypertonic extracellular solution containing 20 mM glucose. This chloride current can likewise be induced by 20 mM 3-Omethylglucose, which is taken up but not metabolized by the cells, suggesting that cellular sugar uptake is involved in current activation. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments show that chloride current activation by 20 mM glucose and glucose-induced cell swelling are accompanied by a significant, transient redistribution of the membrane associated fraction of ICln, a multifunctional 'connector hub' protein involved in cell volume regulation and generation of RVD currents.

Glucose-sensing mechanisms in pancreatic beta-cells

The appropriate secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells is critically important to the maintenance of energy homeostasis. The beta-cells must sense and respond suitably to postprandial increases of blood glucose, and perturbation of glucose-sensing in these cells can lead to hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemias and ultimately diabetes. Here, we review beta-cell glucose-sensing with a particular focus on the regulation of cellular excitability and exocytosis. We examine in turn: (i) the generation of metabolic signalling molecules; (ii) the regulation of beta-cell membrane potential; and (iii) insulin granule dynamics and exocytosis. We further discuss the role of well known and putative candidate metabolic signals as regulators of insulin secretion.

Arachidonic acid is a physiological activator of the ryanodine receptor in pancreatic β-cells

Pancreatic beta-cells have ryanodine receptors but little is known about their physiological regulation. Previous studies have shown that arachidonic acid releases Ca(2+) from intracellular stores in beta-cells but the identity of the channels involved in the Ca(2+) release has not been elucidated. We studied the mechanism by which arachidonic acid induces Ca(2+) concentration changes in pancreatic beta-cells. Cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration was measured in fura-2-loaded INS-1E cells and in primary beta-cells from Wistar rats. The increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration induced by arachidonic acid (150microM) was due to both Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores and influx of Ca(2+) from extracellular medium. 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid, a non-metabolizable analogue of arachidonic acid, mimicked the effect of arachidonic acid, indicating that arachidonic acid itself mediated Ca(2+) increase. The Ca(2+) release induced by arachidonic acid was from the endoplasmic reticulum since it was blocked by thapsigargin. 2-Aminoethyl diphenylborinate (50microM), which is known to inhibit 1,4,5-inositol-triphosphate-receptors, did not block Ca(2+) release by arachidonic acid. However, ryanodine (100microM), a blocker of ryanodine receptors, abolished the effect of arachidonic acid on Ca(2+) release in both types of cells. These observations indicate that arachidonic acid is a physiological activator of ryanodine receptors in beta-cells.

Sustained exposure to high glucose concentrations modifies glucose signaling and the mechanics of secretory vesicle fusion in primary rat pancreatic beta-cells

The mechanism(s) by which chronic hyperglycemia impairs glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is poorly defined. Here, we compare the "nanomechanics" of single exocytotic events in primary rat pancreatic beta-cells cultured for 48 h at optimal (10 mmol/l) or elevated (30 mmol/l) glucose concentrations. Cargo release was imaged by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy of lumen-targeted probes (neuropeptide Y [NPY]-pH-insensitive yellow fluorescent protein [NPY-Venus] or NPY-monomeric red fluorescent protein), while the fate of the vesicle membrane was reported simultaneously with phosphatase-on-the-granule-of-insulinoma-enhanced green fluorescent protein. Under all conditions studied, exocytosis proceeded via a "cavity recapture" mechanism in which the vesicle and plasma membranes fused transiently. While essentially complete release of NPY-Venus was observed in 24 +/- 1% of glucose-stimulated exocytotic events in cells maintained at 10 mmol/l glucose, this value was reduced reversibly to 5 +/- 2% of events by culture at 30 mmol/l glucose, in line with decreases in Glut2 and glucokinase gene expression, and attenuated glucose-stimulated increases in NADPH and intracellular [Ca2+]. Since vesicle release in response to cell depolarization with KCl was not affected by culture at 30 mmol/l glucose, we conclude that hyperglycemia causes the abnormal termination of individual insulin release events principally by inhibiting glucose signaling.

Oscillations, intercellular coupling, and insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells

Insulin is a potent metabolic regulator that is released by pancreatic beta-cells, which respond to body glucose concentrations. Here the authors explain the physiological basis of insulin release.