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Guo W, Gao L, Mo H, Deng H, Zhao Y, Xu G. Mechano-sensor Piezo1 inhibits glucagon production in pancreatic α-cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167185. [PMID: 38653360 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucagon is a critical hormone regulating glucose metabolism. It stimulates the liver to release glucose under low blood sugar conditions, thereby maintaining blood glucose stability. Excessive glucagon secretion and hyperglycemia is observed in individuals with diabetes. Precise modulation of glucagon is significant to maintain glucose homeostasis. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive ion channel capable of converting extracellular mechanical forces into intracellular signals, thus regulating hormonal synthesis and secretion. This study aims to investigate the role of Piezo1 in regulating glucagon production in α cells. METHODS The effects of Piezo1 on glucagon production were examined in normal- or high-fat diet fed α cell-specific Piezo1 knockout mice (Gcg-Piezo1-/-), and the murine pancreatic α cell line αTC1-6. Expression of Proglucagon was investigated by real-time PCR and western blotting. Plasma glucagon and insulin were detected by enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS Under both normal- and high-fat diet conditions, Gcg-Piezo1-/- mice exhibited increased pancreatic α cell proportion, hyperglucagonemia, impaired glucose tolerance, and activated pancreatic mTORC1 signaling. Activation of Piezo1 by its agonist Yoda1 or overexpression of Piezo1 led to decreased glucagon synthesis and suppressed mTOR signaling pathway in αTC1-6 cells. Additionally, the levels of glucagon in the medium were also reduced. Conversely, knockdown of Piezo1 produced opposite effects. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the regulatory role of the Piezo1 ion channel in α cells. Piezo1 influences glucagon production by affecting mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Guo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Luyang Gao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Haocong Mo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Handan Deng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Yawen Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China
| | - Geyang Xu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, China; Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong, China.
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2
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Taneera J, Saber-Ayad MM. Preservation of β-Cells as a Therapeutic Strategy for Diabetes. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:261-271. [PMID: 38387480 DOI: 10.1055/a-2239-2668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The preservation of pancreatic islet β-cells is crucial in diabetes mellitus, encompassing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. β-cell dysfunction, reduced mass, and apoptosis are central to insufficient insulin secretion in both types. Research is focused on understanding β-cell characteristics and the factors regulating their function to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In type 1 diabetes (T1D), β-cell destruction by the immune system calls for exploring immunosuppressive therapies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and leukotriene antagonists. Islet transplantation, stem cell therapy, and xenogeneic transplantation offer promising strategies for type 1 diabetes treatment. For type 2 diabetes (T2D), lifestyle changes like weight loss and exercise enhance insulin sensitivity and maintain β-cell function. Additionally, various pharmacological approaches, such as cytokine inhibitors and protein kinase inhibitors, are being investigated to protect β-cells from inflammation and glucotoxicity. Bariatric surgery emerges as an effective treatment for obesity and T2D by promoting β-cell survival and function. It improves insulin sensitivity, modulates gut hormones, and expands β-cell mass, leading to diabetes remission and better glycemic control. In conclusion, preserving β-cells offers a promising approach to managing both types of diabetes. By combining lifestyle modifications, targeted pharmacological interventions, and advanced therapies like stem cell transplantation and bariatric surgery, we have a significant chance to preserve β-cell function and enhance glucose regulation in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jalal Taneera
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha M Saber-Ayad
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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3
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Thompson PJ, Pipella J, Rutter GA, Gaisano HY, Santamaria P. Islet autoimmunity in human type 1 diabetes: initiation and progression from the perspective of the beta cell. Diabetologia 2023; 66:1971-1982. [PMID: 37488322 PMCID: PMC10542715 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-023-05970-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes results from the poorly understood process of islet autoimmunity, which ultimately leads to the loss of functional pancreatic beta cells. Mounting evidence supports the notion that the activation and evolution of islet autoimmunity in genetically susceptible people is contingent upon early life exposures affecting the islets, especially beta cells. Here, we review some of the recent advances and studies that highlight the roles of these changes as well as antigen presentation and stress response pathways in beta cells in the onset and propagation of the autoimmune process in type 1 diabetes. Future progress in this area holds promise for advancing islet- and beta cell-directed therapies that could be implemented in the early stages of the disease and could be combined with immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Thompson
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Jasmine Pipella
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Guy A Rutter
- CRCHUM and Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK.
- LKC School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological College, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Herbert Y Gaisano
- Departments of Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pere Santamaria
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Sionov RV, Ahdut-HaCohen R. A Supportive Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Insulin-Producing Langerhans Islets with a Specific Emphasis on The Secretome. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2558. [PMID: 37761001 PMCID: PMC10527322 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a gradual destruction of insulin-producing β-cells in the endocrine pancreas due to innate and specific immune responses, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. T1D patients usually require regular insulin injections after meals to maintain normal serum glucose levels. In severe cases, pancreas or Langerhans islet transplantation can assist in reaching a sufficient β-mass to normalize glucose homeostasis. The latter procedure is limited because of low donor availability, high islet loss, and immune rejection. There is still a need to develop new technologies to improve islet survival and implantation and to keep the islets functional. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent non-hematopoietic progenitor cells with high plasticity that can support human pancreatic islet function both in vitro and in vivo and islet co-transplantation with MSCs is more effective than islet transplantation alone in attenuating diabetes progression. The beneficial effect of MSCs on islet function is due to a combined effect on angiogenesis, suppression of immune responses, and secretion of growth factors essential for islet survival and function. In this review, various aspects of MSCs related to islet function and diabetes are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Ronit Ahdut-HaCohen
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
- Department of Science, The David Yellin Academic College of Education, Jerusalem 9103501, Israel
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5
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Spears E, Stanley JE, Shou M, Yin L, Li X, Dai C, Bradley A, Sellick K, Poffenberger G, Coate KC, Shrestha S, Jenkins R, Sloop KW, Wilson KT, Attie AD, Keller MP, Chen W, Powers AC, Dean ED. Pancreatic islet α cell function and proliferation requires the arginine transporter SLC7A2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.10.552656. [PMID: 37645716 PMCID: PMC10461917 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.10.552656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Interrupting glucagon signaling decreases gluconeogenesis and the fractional extraction of amino acids by liver from blood resulting in lower glycemia. The resulting hyperaminoacidemia stimulates α cell proliferation and glucagon secretion via a liver-α cell axis. We hypothesized that α cells detect and respond to circulating amino acids levels via a unique amino acid transporter repertoire. We found that Slc7a2ISLC7A2 is the most highly expressed cationic amino acid transporter in α cells with its expression being three-fold greater in α than β cells in both mouse and human. Employing cell culture, zebrafish, and knockout mouse models, we found that the cationic amino acid arginine and SLC7A2 are required for α cell proliferation in response to interrupted glucagon signaling. Ex vivo and in vivo assessment of islet function in Slc7a2-/- mice showed decreased arginine-stimulated glucagon and insulin secretion. We found that arginine activation of mTOR signaling and induction of the glutamine transporter SLC38A5 was dependent on SLC7A2, showing that both's role in α cell proliferation is dependent on arginine transport and SLC7A2. Finally, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in SLC7A2 associated with HbA1c. Together, these data indicate a central role for SLC7A2 in amino acid-stimulated α cell proliferation and islet hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Spears
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biology, Belmont University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jade E. Stanley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Matthew Shou
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Linlin Yin
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Chunhua Dai
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Amber Bradley
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katelyn Sellick
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Greg Poffenberger
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Katie C. Coate
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Shristi Shrestha
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Regina Jenkins
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Kyle W. Sloop
- Diabetes and Complications, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Keith T. Wilson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Center for Mucosal Inflammation and Cancer, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - Alan D. Attie
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Mark P. Keller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
| | - Wenbiao Chen
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Alvin C. Powers
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - E. Danielle Dean
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
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6
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Hariri A, Mirian M, Zarrabi A, Kohandel M, Amini-Pozveh M, Aref AR, Tabatabaee A, Prabhakar PK, Sivakumar PM. The circadian rhythm: an influential soundtrack in the diabetes story. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1156757. [PMID: 37441501 PMCID: PMC10333930 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1156757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been the main category of metabolic diseases in recent years due to changes in lifestyle and environmental conditions such as diet and physical activity. On the other hand, the circadian rhythm is one of the most significant biological pathways in humans and other mammals, which is affected by light, sleep, and human activity. However, this cycle is controlled via complicated cellular pathways with feedback loops. It is widely known that changes in the circadian rhythm can alter some metabolic pathways of body cells and could affect the treatment process, particularly for metabolic diseases like T2DM. The aim of this study is to explore the importance of the circadian rhythm in the occurrence of T2DM via reviewing the metabolic pathways involved, their relationship with the circadian rhythm from two perspectives, lifestyle and molecular pathways, and their effect on T2DM pathophysiology. These impacts have been demonstrated in a variety of studies and led to the development of approaches such as time-restricted feeding, chronotherapy (time-specific therapies), and circadian molecule stabilizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirali Hariri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mina Mirian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mohammad Kohandel
- Department of Applied Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam Amini-Pozveh
- Department of Prosthodontics Dentistry, Dental Materials Research Center, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
- Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Aliye Tabatabaee
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pranav Kumar Prabhakar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
- Division of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara Punjab, India
| | - Ponnurengam Malliappan Sivakumar
- Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
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7
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Bauer BM, Irimia JM, Bloom-Saldana E, Jeong JW, Fueger PT. Pancreatic loss of Mig6 alters murine endocrine cell fate and protects functional beta cell mass in an STZ-induced model of diabetes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.07.536046. [PMID: 37066257 PMCID: PMC10104126 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.07.536046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Maintaining functional beta cell mass (BCM) to meet glycemic demands is essential to preventing or reversing the progression of diabetes. Yet the mechanisms that establish and regulate endocrine cell fate are incompletely understood. We sought to determine the impact of deletion of mitogen-inducible gene 6 (Mig6), a negative feedback inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling, on mouse endocrine cell fate. The extent to which loss of Mig6 might protect against loss of functional BCM in a multiple very low dose (MVLD) STZ-induced model of diabetes was also determined. Methods Ten-week-old male mice with whole pancreas (Pdx1:Cre, PKO) and beta cell-specific (Ins1:Cre, BKO) knockout of Mig6 were used alongside control (CON) littermates. Mice were given MVLD STZ (35 mg/kg for five days) to damage beta cells and induce hyperglycemia. In vivo fasting blood glucose and glucose tolerance were used to assess beta cell function. Histological analyses of isolated pancreata were utilized to assess islet morphology and beta cell mass. We also identified histological markers of beta cell replication, dedifferentiation, and death. Isolated islets were used to reveal mRNA and protein markers of beta cell fate and function. Results PKO mice had significantly increased alpha cell mass with no detectable changes to beta or delta cells. The increase in alpha cells alone did not impact glucose tolerance, BCM, or beta cell function. Following STZ treatment, PKO mice had 18±8% higher BCM than CON littermates and improved glucose tolerance. Interestingly, beta cell-specific loss of Mig6 was insufficient for protection, and BKO mice had no discernable differences compared to CON mice. The increase in BCM in PKO mice was the result of decreased beta cell loss and increased beta cell replication. Finally, STZ-treated PKO mice had more Ins+/Gcg+ bi-hormonal cells compared to controls suggesting alpha to beta cell transdifferentiation. Conclusions Mig6 exerted differential effects on alpha and beta cell fate. Pancreatic loss of Mig6 reduced beta cell loss and promoted beta cell growth following STZ. Thus, suppression of Mig6 may provide relief of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M. Bauer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jose M. Irimia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotyping Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Elizabeth Bloom-Saldana
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotyping Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jae-Wook Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Patrick T. Fueger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Comprehensive Metabolic Phenotyping Core, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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8
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Dalle S, Abderrahmani A, Renard E. Pharmacological inhibitors of β-cell dysfunction and death as therapeutics for diabetes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1076343. [PMID: 37008937 PMCID: PMC10050720 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1076343] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 500 million adults suffer from diabetes worldwide, and this number is constantly increasing. Diabetes causes 5 million deaths per year and huge healthcare costs per year. β-cell death is the major cause of type 1 diabetes. β-cell secretory dysfunction plays a key role in the development of type 2 diabetes. A loss of β-cell mass due to apoptotic death has also been proposed as critical for the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Death of β-cells is caused by multiple factors including pro-inflammatory cytokines, chronic hyperglycemia (glucotoxicity), certain fatty acids at high concentrations (lipotoxicity), reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and islet amyloid deposits. Unfortunately, none of the currently available antidiabetic drugs favor the maintenance of endogenous β-cell functional mass, indicating an unmet medical need. Here, we comprehensively review over the last ten years the investigation and identification of molecules of pharmacological interest for protecting β-cells against dysfunction and apoptotic death which could pave the way for the development of innovative therapies for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Dalle
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
| | - Amar Abderrahmani
- Université Lille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Centrale Lille, Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, UMR 8520, IEMN, Lille, France
| | - Eric Renard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Montpellier, France
- Laboratoire de Thérapie Cellulaire du Diabète, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Montpellier, France
- Département d’Endocrinologie, Diabètologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Montpellier, France
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9
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Cui X, Feng J, Wei T, Zhang L, Lang S, Yang K, Yang J, Liu J, Sterr M, Lickert H, Wei R, Hong T. Pancreatic alpha cell glucagon-liver FGF21 axis regulates beta cell regeneration in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Diabetologia 2023; 66:535-550. [PMID: 36331598 PMCID: PMC9892158 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-022-05822-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Glucagon receptor (GCGR) antagonism ameliorates hyperglycaemia and promotes beta cell regeneration in mouse models of type 2 diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of beta cell regeneration induced by GCGR antagonism in mice. METHODS The db/db mice and high-fat diet (HFD)+streptozotocin (STZ)-induced mice with type 2 diabetes were treated with antagonistic GCGR monoclonal antibody (mAb), and the metabolic variables and islet cell quantification were evaluated. Plasma cytokine array and liver RNA sequencing data were used to screen possible mediators, including fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). ELISA, quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were applied to verify FGF21 change. Blockage of FGF21 signalling by FGF21-neutralising antibody (nAb) was used to clarify whether FGF21 was involved in the effects of GCGR mAb on the expression of beta cell identity-related genes under plasma-conditional culture and hepatocyte co-culture conditions. FGF21 nAb-treated db/db mice, systemic Fgf21-knockout (Fgf21-/-) diabetic mice and hepatocyte-specific Fgf21-knockout (Fgf21Hep-/-) diabetic mice were used to reveal the involvement of FGF21 in beta cell regeneration. A BrdU tracing study was used to analyse beta cell proliferation in diabetic mice treated with GCGR mAb. RESULTS GCGR mAb treatment improved blood glucose control, and increased islet number (db/db 1.6±0.1 vs 0.8±0.1 per mm2, p<0.001; HFD+STZ 1.2±0.1 vs 0.5±0.1 per mm2, p<0.01) and area (db/db 2.5±0.2 vs 1.2±0.2%, p<0.001; HFD+STZ 1.0±0.1 vs 0.3±0.1%, p<0.01) in diabetic mice. The plasma cytokine array and liver RNA sequencing data showed that FGF21 levels in plasma and liver were upregulated by GCGR antagonism. The GCGR mAb induced upregulation of plasma FGF21 levels (db/db 661.5±40.0 vs 466.2±55.7 pg/ml, p<0.05; HFD+STZ 877.0±106.8 vs 445.5±54.0 pg/ml, p<0.05) and the liver levels of Fgf21 mRNA (db/db 3.2±0.5 vs 1.8±0.1, p<0.05; HFD+STZ 2.0±0.3 vs 1.0±0.2, p<0.05) and protein (db/db 2.0±0.2 vs 1.4±0.1, p<0.05; HFD+STZ 1.6±0.1 vs 1.0±0.1, p<0.01). Exposure to plasma or hepatocytes from the GCGR mAb-treated mice upregulated the mRNA levels of characteristic genes associated with beta cell identity in cultured mouse islets and a beta cell line, and blockage of FGF21 activity by an FGF21 nAb diminished this upregulation. Notably, the effects of increased beta cell number induced by GCGR mAb were attenuated in FGF21 nAb-treated db/db mice, Fgf21-/- diabetic mice and Fgf21Hep-/- diabetic mice. Moreover, GCGR mAb treatment enhanced beta cell proliferation in the two groups of diabetic mice, and this effect was weakened in Fgf21-/- and Fgf21Hep-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our findings demonstrate that liver-derived FGF21 is involved in the GCGR antagonism-induced beta cell regeneration in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Feng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linxi Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Lang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Michael Sterr
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
- Clinical Stem Research Cell Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
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10
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Kim YK, Munir KM, Davis SN. Type 1 diabetes: key drug targets and how they could influence future therapeutics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:31-40. [PMID: 36744390 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2177150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite significant strides made in the management of T1DM, standard management is still insulin analog therapy. Some non-insulin therapies traditionally reserved for the treatment of T2DM have been explored in caring for patients with T1DM, and pancreas transplant is an option for few. However, T1DM remains a challenging disease to manage, encouraging development of novel pharmacologic agents. AREAS COVERED We retrieved PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov records to identify studies and articles focused on new pharmacologic advances to treat T1DM. EXPERT OPINION Recent research has focused on new targets of pharmacologic treatment of T1DM. Beta-cell preservation through immunomodulation or inhibiting inflammation hopes to delay or halt the progression of the disease. Beta cell regeneration through islet cell transplant or modification in transcription pathways aim to reverse the disease effects. Multiple other new targets such as glucagon antagonism and glucokinase activation are also in development as a potential adjunctive therapy. These new therapeutic targets offer the hope of reducing the daily burden of diabetes management with eventual insulin discontinuation for many individuals with T1DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Kook Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, 800 Linden Ave, 8th Floor, 21201, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kashif M Munir
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology, 800 Linden Ave, 8th Floor, 21201, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stephen N Davis
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, 21201, Baltimore, MD, USA
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11
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Wang K, Cui X, Li F, Xia L, Wei T, Liu J, Fu W, Yang J, Hong T, Wei R. Glucagon receptor blockage inhibits β-cell dedifferentiation through FoxO1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E97-E113. [PMID: 36383639 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00101.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-secreting pancreatic α-cells play pivotal roles in the development of diabetes. Glucagon promotes insulin secretion from β-cells. However, the long-term effect of glucagon on the function and phenotype of β-cells had remained elusive. In this study, we found that long-term glucagon intervention or glucagon intervention with the presence of palmitic acid downregulated β-cell-specific markers and inhibited insulin secretion in cultured β-cells. These results suggested that glucagon induced β-cell dedifferentiation under pathological conditions. Glucagon blockage by a glucagon receptor (GCGR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) attenuated glucagon-induced β-cell dedifferentiation. In primary islets, GCGR mAb treatment upregulated β-cell-specific markers and increased insulin content, suggesting that blockage of endogenous glucagon-GCGR signaling inhibited β-cell dedifferentiation. To investigate the possible mechanism, we found that glucagon decreased FoxO1 expression. FoxO1 inhibitor mimicked the effect of glucagon, whereas FoxO1 overexpression reversed the glucagon-induced β-cell dedifferentiation. In db/db mice and β-cell lineage-tracing diabetic mice, GCGR mAb lowered glucose level, upregulated plasma insulin level, increased β-cell area, and inhibited β-cell dedifferentiation. In aged β-cell-specific FoxO1 knockout mice (with the blood glucose level elevated as a diabetic model), the glucose-lowering effect of GCGR mAb was attenuated and the plasma insulin level, β-cell area, and β-cell dedifferentiation were not affected by GCGR mAb. Our results proved that glucagon induced β-cell dedifferentiation under pathological conditions, and the effect was partially mediated by FoxO1. Our study reveals a novel cross talk between α- and β-cells and is helpful to understand the pathophysiology of diabetes and discover new targets for diabetes treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Glucagon-secreting pancreatic α-cells can interact with β-cells. However, the long-term effect of glucagon on the function and phenotype of β-cells has remained elusive. Our new finding shows that long-term glucagon induces β-cell dedifferentiation in cultured β-cells. FoxO1 inhibitor mimicks whereas glucagon signaling blockage by GCGR mAb reverses the effect of glucagon. In type 2 diabetic mice, GCGR mAb increases β-cell area, improves β-cell function, and inhibits β-cell dedifferentiation, and the effect is partially mediated by FoxO1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianjiao Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, https://ror.org/04wwqze12Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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12
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Kalwat MA, Rodrigues-dos-Santos K, Binns DD, Wei S, Zhou A, Evans MR, Posner BA, Roth MG, Cobb MH. Small molecule glucagon release inhibitors with activity in human islets. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1114799. [PMID: 37152965 PMCID: PMC10157210 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1114799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Type 1 diabetes (T1D) accounts for an estimated 5% of all diabetes in the United States, afflicting over 1.25 million individuals. Maintaining long-term blood glucose control is the major goal for individuals with T1D. In T1D, insulin-secreting pancreatic islet β-cells are destroyed by the immune system, but glucagon-secreting islet α-cells survive. These remaining α-cells no longer respond properly to fluctuating blood glucose concentrations. Dysregulated α-cell function contributes to hyper- and hypoglycemia which can lead to macrovascular and microvascular complications. To this end, we sought to discover small molecules that suppress α-cell function for their potential as preclinical candidate compounds. Prior high-throughput screening identified a set of glucagon-suppressing compounds using a rodent α-cell line model, but these compounds were not validated in human systems. Results Here, we dissociated and replated primary human islet cells and exposed them to 24 h treatment with this set of candidate glucagon-suppressing compounds. Glucagon accumulation in the medium was measured and we determined that compounds SW049164 and SW088799 exhibited significant activity. Candidate compounds were also counter-screened in our InsGLuc-MIN6 β-cell insulin secretion reporter assay. SW049164 and SW088799 had minimal impact on insulin release after a 24 h exposure. To further validate these hits, we treated intact human islets with a selection of the top candidates for 24 h. SW049164 and SW088799 significantly inhibited glucagon release into the medium without significantly altering whole islet glucagon or insulin content. In concentration-response curves SW088799 exhibited significant inhibition of glucagon release with an IC50 of 1.26 µM. Conclusion Given the set of tested candidates were all top hits from the primary screen in rodent α-cells, this suggests some conservation of mechanism of action between human and rodents, at least for SW088799. Future structure-activity relationship studies of SW088799 may aid in elucidating its protein target(s) or enable its use as a tool compound to suppress α-cell activity in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Kalwat
- Lilly Diabetes Center of Excellence, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael A. Kalwat, ;
| | - Karina Rodrigues-dos-Santos
- Lilly Diabetes Center of Excellence, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Derk D. Binns
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Shuguang Wei
- Department Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Anwu Zhou
- Department Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Matthew R. Evans
- Department Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Bruce A. Posner
- Department Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Michael G. Roth
- Department Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Melanie H. Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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13
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Gu L, Cui X, Lin X, Yang J, Wei R, Hong T, Yang K. γ-aminobutyric acid modulates α-cell hyperplasia but not β-cell regeneration induced by glucagon receptor antagonism in type 1 diabetic mice. Acta Diabetol 2023; 60:19-28. [PMID: 36129525 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-022-01970-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate whether treatment with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) alone or in combination with glucagon receptor (GCGR) monoclonal antibody (mAb) exerted beneficial effects on β-cell mass and α-cell mass, and to explore the origins of the regenerated β-cells in mice with type 1 diabetes (T1D). METHODS Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1D mice were treated with intraperitoneal injection of GABA (250 μg/kg per day) and/or REMD 2.59 (a GCGR mAb, 5 mg/kg per week), or IgG dissolved in PBS for 8 weeks. Plasma hormone levels and islet cell morphology were evaluated by ELISA and immunofluorescence, respectively. The origins of the regenerated β-cells were analyzed by double-immunostaining, α-cell lineage-tracing and BrdU-tracing studies. RESULTS After the 8-week treatment, GABA or GCGR mAb alone or in combination ameliorated hyperglycemia in STZ-induced T1D mice. GCGR mAb upregulated plasma insulin level and increased β-cell mass, and GABA appeared to have similar effects in T1D mice. However, combination treatment did not reveal any additive or synergistic effect. Interestingly, the GCGR mAb-induced increment of plasma glucagon level and α-cell mass was attenuated by the combined treatment of GABA. In addition, duct-derived β-cell neogenesis and α-to-β cell conversion but not β-cell proliferation contributed to the increased β-cell mass in T1D mice. CONCLUSION These results suggested that GABA attenuated α-cell hyperplasia but did not potentiates β-cell regeneration induced by GCGR mAb in T1D mice. Our findings provide novel insights into a combination treatment strategy for β-cell regeneration in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangbiao Gu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaona Cui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiafang Lin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rui Wei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tianpei Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Clinical Stem Cell Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
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14
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Goode RA, Hum JM, Kalwat MA. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation, Regeneration, and Replacement. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6836713. [PMID: 36412119 PMCID: PMC9923807 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac193] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes results from insufficient insulin production by pancreatic islet β-cells or a loss of β-cells themselves. Restoration of regulated insulin production is a predominant goal of translational diabetes research. Here, we provide a brief overview of recent advances in the fields of β-cell proliferation, regeneration, and replacement. The discovery of therapeutic targets and associated small molecules has been enabled by improved understanding of β-cell development and cell cycle regulation, as well as advanced high-throughput screening methodologies. Important findings in β-cell transdifferentiation, neogenesis, and stem cell differentiation have nucleated multiple promising therapeutic strategies. In particular, clinical trials are underway using in vitro-generated β-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Significant challenges remain for each of these strategies, but continued support for efforts in these research areas will be critical for the generation of distinct diabetes therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Goode
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julia M Hum
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael A Kalwat
- Correspondence: Michael A. Kalwat, PhD, Lilly Diabetes Center of Excellence, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, 1210 Waterway Blvd, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. or
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15
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Kang Q, Zheng J, Jia J, Xu Y, Bai X, Chen X, Zhang XK, Wong FS, Zhang C, Li M. Disruption of the glucagon receptor increases glucagon expression beyond α-cell hyperplasia in zebrafish. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102665. [PMID: 36334626 PMCID: PMC9719020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucagon receptor (GCGR) is a potential target for diabetes therapy. Several emerging GCGR antagonism-based therapies are under preclinical and clinical development. However, GCGR antagonism, as well as genetically engineered GCGR deficiency in animal models, are accompanied by α-cell hyperplasia and hyperglucagonemia, which may limit the application of GCGR antagonism. To better understand the physiological changes in α cells following GCGR disruption, we performed single cell sequencing of α cells isolated from control and gcgr-/- (glucagon receptor deficient) zebrafish. Interestingly, beyond the α-cell hyperplasia, we also found that the expression of gcga, gcgb, pnoca, and several glucagon-regulatory transcription factors were dramatically increased in one cluster of gcgr-/- α cells. We further confirmed that glucagon mRNA was upregulated in gcgr-/- animals by in situ hybridization and that glucagon promoter activity was increased in gcgr-/-;Tg(gcga:GFP) reporter zebrafish. We also demonstrated that gcgr-/- α cells had increased glucagon protein levels and increased granules after GCGR disruption. Intriguingly, the increased mRNA and protein levels could be suppressed by treatment with high-level glucose or knockdown of the pnoca gene. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that GCGR deficiency not only induced α-cell hyperplasia but also increased glucagon expression in α cells, findings which provide more information about physiological changes in α-cells when the GCGR is disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Kang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jihong Zheng
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianxin Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanxuan Bai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fundamental Research Center, Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital (Shanghai Sunshine Rehabilitation Center), School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - F Susan Wong
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Mingyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Rubin de Celis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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17
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Lu B, Chen J, Xu G, Grayson TB, Jing G, Jo S, Shalev A. Alpha Cell Thioredoxin-interacting Protein Deletion Improves Diabetes-associated Hyperglycemia and Hyperglucagonemia. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqac133. [PMID: 35957590 PMCID: PMC10233251 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac133] [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: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) has emerged as a key factor in pancreatic beta cell biology, and its upregulation by glucose and diabetes contributes to the impairment in functional beta cell mass and glucose homeostasis. In addition, beta cell deletion of TXNIP protects against diabetes in different mouse models. However, while TXNIP is ubiquitously expressed, its role in pancreatic alpha cells has remained elusive. We generated an alpha cell TXNIP knockout (aTKO) mouse and assessed the effects on glucose homeostasis. While no significant changes were observed on regular chow, after a 30-week high-fat diet, aTKO animals showed improvement in glucose tolerance and lower blood glucose levels compared to their control littermates. Moreover, in the context of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, aTKO mice showed significantly lower blood glucose levels compared to controls. While serum insulin levels were reduced in both control and aTKO mice, STZ-induced diabetes significantly increased glucagon levels in control mice, but this effect was blunted in aTKO mice. Moreover, glucagon secretion from aTKO islets was >2-fold lower than from control islets, while insulin secretion was unchanged in aTKO islets. At the same time, no change in alpha cell or beta cell numbers or mass was observed, and glucagon and insulin expression and content were comparable in isolated islets from aTKO and control mice. Thus together the current studies suggest that downregulation of alpha cell TXNIP is associated with reduced glucagon secretion and that this may contribute to the glucose-lowering effects observed in diabetic aTKO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lu
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Junqin Chen
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Guanlan Xu
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Truman B Grayson
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Gu Jing
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - SeongHo Jo
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Anath Shalev
- Comprehensive Diabetes Center and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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18
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Reprogramming—Evolving Path to Functional Surrogate β-Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182813. [PMID: 36139388 PMCID: PMC9496933 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182813] [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: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous cell sources are being explored to replenish functional β-cell mass since the proof-of -concept for cell therapy of diabetes was laid down by transplantation of islets. Many of these cell sources have been shown to possess a degree of plasticity permitting differentiation along new lineages into insulin-secreting β-cells. In this review, we explore emerging reprograming pathways that aim to generate bone fide insulin producing cells. We focus on small molecules and key transcriptional regulators that orchestrate phenotypic conversion and maintenance of engineered cells.
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Insights into the Role of Glucagon Receptor Signaling in Metabolic Regulation from Pharmacological Inhibition and Tissue-Specific Knockout Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081907. [PMID: 36009454 PMCID: PMC9405517 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081907] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While glucagon has long been recognized as the primary counter hormone to insulin’s actions, it has recently gained recognition as a metabolic regulator with its effects extending beyond control of glycemia. Recently developed models of tissue-specific glucagon receptor knockouts have advanced our understanding of this hormone, providing novel insight into the role it plays within organs as well as its systemic effects. Studies where the pharmacological blockade of the glucagon receptor has been employed have proved similarly valuable in the study of organ-specific and systemic roles of glucagon signaling. Studies carried out employing these tools demonstrate that glucagon indeed plays a role in regulating glycemia, but also in amino acid and lipid metabolism, systemic endocrine, and paracrine function, and in the response to cardiovascular injury. Here, we briefly review recent progress in our understanding of glucagon’s role made through inhibition of glucagon receptor signaling utilizing glucagon receptor antagonists and tissue specific genetic knockout models.
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20
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Bethea M, Bozadjieva-Kramer N, Sandoval DA. Preproglucagon Products and Their Respective Roles Regulating Insulin Secretion. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6329397. [PMID: 34318874 PMCID: PMC8375443 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab150] [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: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Historically, intracellular function and metabolic adaptation within the α-cell has been understudied, with most of the attention being placed on the insulin-producing β-cells due to their role in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, there is a growing interest in understanding the function of other endocrine cell types within the islet and their paracrine role in regulating insulin secretion. For example, there is greater appreciation for α-cell products and their contributions to overall glucose homeostasis. Several recent studies have addressed a paracrine role for α-cell-derived glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in regulating glucose homeostasis and responses to metabolic stress. Further, other studies have demonstrated the ability of glucagon to impact insulin secretion by acting through the GLP-1 receptor. These studies challenge the central dogma surrounding α-cell biology describing glucagon's primary role in glucose counterregulation to one where glucagon is critical in regulating both hyper- and hypoglycemic responses. Herein, this review will update the current understanding of the role of glucagon and α-cell-derived GLP-1, placing emphasis on their roles in regulating glucose homeostasis, insulin secretion, and β-cell mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maigen Bethea
- Department of Pediatrics, Nutrition Section, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Darleen A Sandoval
- Department of Pediatrics, Nutrition Section, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Correspondence: Darleen A. Sandoval, PhD, University of Colorado Anschut, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes,12801 E 17th Ave. Research Complex 1 South 7th Floor, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. E-mail:
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Porcellati F, Di Mauro S, Mazzieri A, Scamporrino A, Filippello A, De Fano M, Fanelli CG, Purrello F, Malaguarnera R, Piro S. Glucagon as a Therapeutic Approach to Severe Hypoglycemia: After 100 Years, Is It Still the Antidote of Insulin? Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11091281. [PMID: 34572493 PMCID: PMC8464883 DOI: 10.3390/biom11091281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoglycemia represents a dark and tormented side of diabetes mellitus therapy. Patients treated with insulin or drug inducing hypoglycemia, consider hypoglycemia as a harmful element, which leads to their resistance and lack of acceptance of the pathology and relative therapies. Severe hypoglycemia, in itself, is a risk for patients and relatives. The possibility to have novel strategies and scientific knowledge concerning hypoglycemia could represent an enormous benefit. Novel available glucagon formulations, even now, allow clinicians to deal with hypoglycemia differently with respect to past years. Novel scientific evidence leads to advances concerning physiopathological mechanisms that regulated glycemic homeostasis. In this review, we will try to show some of the important aspects of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Porcellati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia University School of Medicine, Via Gambuli 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.); (M.D.F.); (C.G.F.)
| | - Stefania Di Mauro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Alessio Mazzieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia University School of Medicine, Via Gambuli 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.); (M.D.F.); (C.G.F.)
| | - Alessandra Scamporrino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Agnese Filippello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Michelantonio De Fano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia University School of Medicine, Via Gambuli 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.); (M.D.F.); (C.G.F.)
| | - Carmine Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Perugia University School of Medicine, Via Gambuli 1, 06126 Perugia, Italy; (F.P.); (A.M.); (M.D.F.); (C.G.F.)
| | - Francesco Purrello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
| | - Roberta Malaguarnera
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna “Kore”, 94100 Enna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0935-536577
| | - Salvatore Piro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Internal Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy; (S.D.M.); (A.S.); (A.F.); (F.P.); (S.P.)
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1921-2021: From insulin discovery to islet transplantation in type 1 diabetes. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2021; 82:74-77. [PMID: 33839122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One century after the discovery of insulin, the French Health regulations have just authorized the reimbursement for islet transplantation. Intraportal islet allotransplantation from a pancreatic donor is indicated in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) complicated with lability or hypoglycemia unawareness, or in case of a functioning kidney graft; islet auto-transplantation may be indicated after pancreatic surgery.Compared with insulin even administered in closed-loop pumps, the specificity of islet allotransplantation is the restoration of C-peptide secretion. Long-term insulin-independence is observed when the engrafted islet mass is sufficient, at the cost of immunosuppression. Fewer low-glucose events and less glucose variability, are observed even with minimal functional islet graft, after islet transplantation as at onset of T1D, when a residual C-peptide secretion is maintained, an objective currently approached with less aggressive immuno-modulating therapies than in the past. Therefore, restoration or preservation of endogen insulin secretion is an important goal, allowing to maintain a long-term glucose balance with more than 70% of time in range 3.9-10mmol/L and less than 3% of time <3.9mmol/L, thus reducing the occurrence of diabetic complications. In the clinical setting, - the preservation of C-peptide at early stage of T1D, - the use of technological ressources (multi-injections, sensors, insulin pump, closed-loop systems) at later stages, - and islet transplantation when hypoglycemia awareness becomes impaired are complementary for a personalized care all along the life of T1D patients.
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