1
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Mao W, Chen S. Assembly mechanisms of the neuronal gap junction channel connexin 36 elucidated by Cryo-EM. Arch Biochem Biophys 2024; 754:109959. [PMID: 38490311 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2024.109959] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Electrical synapses are essential components of neural circuits. Neuronal signal transduction across electrical synapses is primarily mediated by gap junction channels composed of Connexin36 (Cx36), the lack of which causes impaired electrical coupling between certain neurons including cortical interneurons and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons. However, the structural basis underlying Cx36 function and assembly remains elusive. Recently, Lee et al. reported cryo-EM structures of Cx36, thus provided first insights of its gating mechanism. Here, we report a consistent cryo-EM structure of Cx36 determined in parallel, and describe unique interactions underpinning its assembly mechanism in complementary to the competing work. In particular, we found non-canonical electrostatic interactions between protomers from opposing hemichannels and a steric complementary site between adjacent protomers within a hemichannel, which together provide a structural explanation for the assembly specificity in homomeric and heteromeric gap junction channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshuang Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China; Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Paradiž Leitgeb E, Kerčmar J, Križančić Bombek L, Pohorec V, Skelin Klemen M, Slak Rupnik M, Gosak M, Dolenšek J, Stožer A. Exendin-4 affects calcium signalling predominantly during activation and activity of beta cell networks in acute mouse pancreas tissue slices. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1315520. [PMID: 38292770 PMCID: PMC10826511 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1315520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight control of beta cell stimulus-secretion coupling is crucial for maintaining homeostasis of energy-rich nutrients. While glucose serves as a primary regulator of this process, incretins augment beta cell function, partly by enhancing cytosolic [Ca2+] dynamics. However, the details of how precisely they affect beta cell recruitment during activation, their active time, and functional connectivity during plateau activity, and how they influence beta cell deactivation remain to be described. Performing functional multicellular Ca2+ imaging in acute mouse pancreas tissue slices enabled us to systematically assess the effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) simultaneously in many coupled beta cells with high resolution. In otherwise substimulatory glucose, Ex-4 was able to recruit approximately a quarter of beta cells into an active state. Costimulation with Ex-4 and stimulatory glucose shortened the activation delays and accelerated beta cell activation dynamics. More specifically, active time increased faster, and the time required to reach half-maximal activation was effectively halved in the presence of Ex-4. Moreover, the active time and regularity of [Ca2+]IC oscillations increased, especially during the first part of beta cell response. In contrast, subsequent addition of Ex-4 to already active cells did not significantly enhance beta cell activity. Network analyses further confirmed increased connectivity during activation and activity in the presence of Ex-4, with hub cell roles remaining rather stable in both control experiments and experiments with Ex-4. Interestingly, Ex-4 demonstrated a biphasic effect on deactivation, slightly prolonging beta cell activity at physiological concentrations and shortening deactivation delays at supraphysiological concentrations. In sum, costimulation by Ex-4 and glucose increases [Ca2+]IC during beta cell activation and activity, indicating that the effect of incretins may, to an important extent, be explained by enhanced [Ca2+]IC signals. During deactivation, previous incretin stimulation does not critically prolong cellular activity, which corroborates their low risk of hypoglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Paradiž Leitgeb
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jasmina Kerčmar
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | - Vilijem Pohorec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maša Skelin Klemen
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Slak Rupnik
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Alma Mater Europaea-European Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea-European Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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3
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Waters BJ, Birman ZR, Wagner MR, Lemanski J, Blum B. Islet architecture in adult mice is actively maintained by Robo2 expression in β cells. Dev Biol 2024; 505:122-129. [PMID: 37972678 PMCID: PMC10841604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental question in developmental biology is whether tissue architectures formed during development are set for life, or require continuous maintenance signals, and if so, what are those signals. The islets of Langerhans in the pancreas can serve as an elegant model tissue to answer these questions. Islets have a non-random spatial architecture, which is important to proper glucose homeostasis. Islet architecture forms during embryonic development, in a morphogenesis process partially involving expression of Roundabout (Robo) receptors in β cells, and their ligand, Slit, in the surrounding mesenchyme. Whether islet architecture is set during development and remains passive in adulthood, or whether it requires active maintenance throughout life, has not been determined. Here we conditionally deleted Robo2 in β cells of adult mice and observed their islet architecture following a two-month chase. We show that deleting Robo2 in adult β cells causes significant loss of islet architecture without affecting β cell identity, maturation, or stress, indicating that Robo2 plays a role in actively maintaining adult islet architecture. Understanding the factors required to maintain islet architecture, and thus optimize islet function, is important for developing future diabetes therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayley J Waters
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zoe R Birman
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Matthew R Wagner
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Julia Lemanski
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Barak Blum
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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4
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Briggs JK, Gresch A, Marinelli I, Dwulet JM, Albers DJ, Kravets V, Benninger RKP. β-cell intrinsic dynamics rather than gap junction structure dictates subpopulations in the islet functional network. eLife 2023; 12:e83147. [PMID: 38018905 PMCID: PMC10803032 DOI: 10.7554/elife.83147] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is caused by the inability of electrically coupled, functionally heterogeneous β-cells within the pancreatic islet to provide adequate insulin secretion. Functional networks have been used to represent synchronized oscillatory [Ca2+] dynamics and to study β-cell subpopulations, which play an important role in driving islet function. The mechanism by which highly synchronized β-cell subpopulations drive islet function is unclear. We used experimental and computational techniques to investigate the relationship between functional networks, structural (gap junction) networks, and intrinsic β-cell dynamics in slow and fast oscillating islets. Highly synchronized subpopulations in the functional network were differentiated by intrinsic dynamics, including metabolic activity and KATP channel conductance, more than structural coupling. Consistent with this, intrinsic dynamics were more predictive of high synchronization in the islet functional network as compared to high levels of structural coupling. Finally, dysfunction of gap junctions, which can occur in diabetes, caused decreases in the efficiency and clustering of the functional network. These results indicate that intrinsic dynamics rather than structure drive connections in the functional network and highly synchronized subpopulations, but gap junctions are still essential for overall network efficiency. These findings deepen our interpretation of functional networks and the formation of functional subpopulations in dynamic tissues such as the islet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Briggs
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Anne Gresch
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Isabella Marinelli
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, University of BirminghamBirminghamUnited Kingdom
| | - JaeAnn M Dwulet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - David J Albers
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Vira Kravets
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Richard KP Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
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5
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Šterk M, Barać U, Stožer A, Gosak M. Both electrical and metabolic coupling shape the collective multimodal activity and functional connectivity patterns in beta cell collectives: A computational model perspective. Phys Rev E 2023; 108:054409. [PMID: 38115462 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.108.054409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic beta cells are coupled excitable oscillators that synchronize their activity via different communication pathways. Their oscillatory activity manifests itself on multiple timescales and consists of bursting electrical activity, subsequent oscillations in the intracellular Ca^{2+}, as well as oscillations in metabolism and exocytosis. The coordination of the intricate activity on the multicellular level plays a key role in the regulation of physiological pulsatile insulin secretion and is incompletely understood. In this paper, we investigate theoretically the principles that give rise to the synchronized activity of beta cell populations by building up a phenomenological multicellular model that incorporates the basic features of beta cell dynamics. Specifically, the model is composed of coupled slow and fast oscillatory units that reflect metabolic processes and electrical activity, respectively. Using a realistic description of the intercellular interactions, we study how the combination of electrical and metabolic coupling generates collective rhythmicity and shapes functional beta cell networks. It turns out that while electrical coupling solely can synchronize the responses, the addition of metabolic interactions further enhances coordination, the spatial range of interactions increases the number of connections in the functional beta cell networks, and ensures a better consistency with experimental findings. Moreover, our computational results provide additional insights into the relationship between beta cell heterogeneity, their activity profiles, and functional connectivity, supplementing thereby recent experimental results on endocrine networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Šterk
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Koroška cesta 160, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Taborska ulica 8, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea, Slovenska ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Uroš Barać
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Koroška cesta 160, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Taborska ulica 8, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Koroška cesta 160, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Taborska ulica 8, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea, Slovenska ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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6
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St. Clair JR, Westacott MJ, Miranda J, Farnsworth NL, Kravets V, Schleicher WE, Dwulet JM, Levitt CH, Heintz A, Ludin NWF, Benninger RKP. Restoring connexin-36 function in diabetogenic environments precludes mouse and human islet dysfunction. J Physiol 2023; 601:4053-4072. [PMID: 37578890 PMCID: PMC10508056 DOI: 10.1113/jp282114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The secretion of insulin from β-cells in the islet of Langerhans is governed by a series of metabolic and electrical events, which can fail during the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D). β-cells are electrically coupled via connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junction channels, which coordinates the pulsatile dynamics of [Ca2+ ] and insulin release across the islet. Factors such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acids disrupt gap junction coupling under in vitro conditions. Here we test whether gap junction coupling and coordinated [Ca2+ ] dynamics are disrupted in T2D, and whether recovery of gap junction coupling can recover islet function. We examine islets from donors with T2D, from db/db mice, and islets treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IFN-ɣ) or free fatty acids (palmitate). We modulate gap junction coupling using Cx36 over-expression or pharmacological activation via modafinil. We also develop a peptide mimetic (S293) of the c-terminal regulatory site of Cx36 designed to compete against its phosphorylation. Cx36 gap junction permeability and [Ca2+ ] dynamics were disrupted in islets from both human donors with T2D and db/db mice, and in islets treated with pro-inflammatory cytokines or palmitate. Cx36 over-expression, modafinil treatment and S293 peptide all enhanced Cx36 gap junction coupling and protected against declines in coordinated [Ca2+ ] dynamics. Cx36 over-expression and S293 peptide also reduced apoptosis induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. Critically, S293 peptide rescued gap junction coupling and [Ca2+ ] dynamics in islets from both db/db mice and a sub-set of T2D donors. Thus, recovering or enhancing Cx36 gap junction coupling can improve islet function in diabetes. KEY POINTS: Connexin-36 (Cx36) gap junction permeability and associated coordination of [Ca2+ ] dynamics is diminished in human type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mouse models of T2D. Enhancing Cx36 gap junction permeability protects against disruptions to the coordination of [Ca2+ ] dynamics. A novel peptide mimetic of the Cx36 c-terminal regulatory region protects against declines in Cx36 gap junction permeability. Pharmacological elevation in Cx36 or Cx36 peptide mimetic recovers [Ca2+ ] dynamics and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in human T2D and mouse models of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua R St. Clair
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Matthew J Westacott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Jose Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nikki L Farnsworth
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado
Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Vira Kravets
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Wolfgang E Schleicher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - JaeAnn M Dwulet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Claire H Levitt
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Audrey Heintz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nurin WF Ludin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Richard KP Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver
| Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado
Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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7
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Skelin Klemen M, Dolenšek J, Križančić Bombek L, Pohorec V, Gosak M, Slak Rupnik M, Stožer A. The effect of forskolin and the role of Epac2A during activation, activity, and deactivation of beta cell networks. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1225486. [PMID: 37701894 PMCID: PMC10494243 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1225486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta cells couple stimulation by glucose with insulin secretion and impairments in this coupling play a central role in diabetes mellitus. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) amplifies stimulus-secretion coupling via protein kinase A and guanine nucleotide exchange protein 2 (Epac2A). With the present research, we aimed to clarify the influence of cAMP-elevating diterpene forskolin on cytoplasmic calcium dynamics and intercellular network activity, which are two of the crucial elements of normal beta cell stimulus-secretion coupling, and the role of Epac2A under normal and stimulated conditions. To this end, we performed functional multicellular calcium imaging of beta cells in mouse pancreas tissue slices after stimulation with glucose and forskolin in wild-type and Epac2A knock-out mice. Forskolin evoked calcium signals in otherwise substimulatory glucose and beta cells from Epac2A knock-out mice displayed a faster activation. During the plateau phase, beta cells from Epac2A knock-out mice displayed a slightly higher active time in response to glucose compared with wild-type littermates, and stimulation with forskolin increased the active time via an increase in oscillation frequency and a decrease in oscillation duration in both Epac2A knock-out and wild-type mice. Functional network properties during stimulation with glucose did not differ in Epac2A knock-out mice, but the presence of Epac2A was crucial for the protective effect of stimulation with forskolin in preventing a decline in beta cell functional connectivity with time. Finally, stimulation with forskolin prolonged beta cell activity during deactivation, especially in Epac2A knock-out mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Skelin Klemen
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | - Viljem Pohorec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea, European Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Slak Rupnik
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Alma Mater Europaea, European Center Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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8
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Adams MT, Waters BJ, Nimkulrat SD, Blum B. Disrupted glucose homeostasis and glucagon and insulin secretion defects in Robo βKO mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23106. [PMID: 37498234 PMCID: PMC10436995 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200705rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
The axon guidance proteins, Roundabout (Robo) receptors play a critical role in morphogenesis of the islets of Langerhans. Mice with a β cell-selective deletion of Robo (Robo βKO), show severely disrupted spatial architecture of their islets, without defects in β cell differentiation or maturity. We have recently shown that Robo βKO mice have reduced synchronous glucose-stimulated β cell calcium oscillations in their islets in vivo, likely disrupting their pulsatile insulin secretion. Here, we analyze whole-body metabolic regulation in Robo βKO mice. We show that Robo βKO mice have mild defects in glucose homeostasis, and altered glucagon and insulin secretion. However, we did not observe any severe whole-body glucoregulatory phenotype following the disruption of islet architecture in Robo βKO. Our data suggest that islet architecture plays only a mild role in overall glucoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T. Adams
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bayley J. Waters
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sutichot D. Nimkulrat
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Barak Blum
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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9
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Choi J, Shin E, Lee J, Devarasou S, Kim D, Shin JH, Choi JH, Heo WD, Han YM. Light-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic islet-like organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1480-1495. [PMID: 36932674 PMCID: PMC10188912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques permit non-invasive, spatiotemporal, and reversible modulation of cellular activities. Here, we report a novel optogenetic regulatory system for insulin secretion in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived pancreatic islet-like organoids using monSTIM1 (monster-opto-Stromal interaction molecule 1), an ultra-light-sensitive OptoSTIM1 variant. The monSTIM1 transgene was incorporated at the AAVS1 locus in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing. Not only were we able to elicit light-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) transients from the resulting homozygous monSTIM1+/+-hESCs, but we also successfully differentiated them into pancreatic islet-like organoids (PIOs). Upon light stimulation, the β-cells in these monSTIM1+/+-PIOs displayed reversible and reproducible [Ca2+]i transient dynamics. Furthermore, in response to photoexcitation, they secreted human insulin. Light-responsive insulin secretion was similarly observed in monSTIM1+/+-PIOs produced from neonatal diabetes (ND) patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Under LED illumination, monSTIM1+/+-PIO-transplanted diabetic mice produced human c-peptide. Collectively, we developed a cellular model for the optogenetic control of insulin secretion using hPSCs, with the potential to be applied to the amelioration of hyperglycemic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsu Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Dongkyu Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jennifer H Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Do Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Mahn Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea; Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Abstract
The islets of Langerhans are highly organized structures that have species-specific, three-dimensional tissue architecture. Islet architecture is critical for proper hormone secretion in response to nutritional stimuli. Islet architecture is disrupted in all types of diabetes mellitus and in cadaveric islets for transplantation during isolation, culture, and perfusion, limiting patient outcomes. Moreover, recapitulating native islet architecture remains a key challenge for in vitro generation of islets from stem cells. In this review, we discuss work that has led to the current understanding of determinants of pancreatic islet architecture, and how this architecture is maintained or disrupted during tissue remodeling in response to normal and pathological metabolic changes. We further discuss both empirical and modeling data that highlight the importance of islet architecture for islet function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T. Adams
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Barak Blum
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
- CONTACT Barak Blum Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI53705, USA
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11
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Scheele CLGJ, Herrmann D, Yamashita E, Celso CL, Jenne CN, Oktay MH, Entenberg D, Friedl P, Weigert R, Meijboom FLB, Ishii M, Timpson P, van Rheenen J. Multiphoton intravital microscopy of rodents. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:89. [PMID: 37621948 PMCID: PMC10449057 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00168-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tissues are heterogeneous with respect to cellular and non-cellular components and in the dynamic interactions between these elements. To study the behaviour and fate of individual cells in these complex tissues, intravital microscopy (IVM) techniques such as multiphoton microscopy have been developed to visualize intact and live tissues at cellular and subcellular resolution. IVM experiments have revealed unique insights into the dynamic interplay between different cell types and their local environment, and how this drives morphogenesis and homeostasis of tissues, inflammation and immune responses, and the development of various diseases. This Primer introduces researchers to IVM technologies, with a focus on multiphoton microscopy of rodents, and discusses challenges, solutions and practical tips on how to perform IVM. To illustrate the unique potential of IVM, several examples of results are highlighted. Finally, we discuss data reproducibility and how to handle big imaging data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colinda L. G. J. Scheele
- Laboratory for Intravital Imaging and Dynamics of Tumor Progression, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Herrmann
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Erika Yamashita
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- WPI-Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Drug Discovery, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Cristina Lo Celso
- Department of Life Sciences and Centre for Hematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Sir Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Craig N. Jenne
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maja H. Oktay
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - David Entenberg
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Integrated Imaging Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Weigert
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Franck L. B. Meijboom
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Sustainable Animal Stewardship, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Faculty of Humanities, Ethics Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Masaru Ishii
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- WPI-Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Bioimaging and Drug Discovery, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Osaka, Japan
| | - Paul Timpson
- Cancer Ecosystems Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Department, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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12
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Functional architecture of pancreatic islets identifies a population of first responder cells that drive the first-phase calcium response. PLoS Biol 2022; 20:e3001761. [PMID: 36099294 PMCID: PMC9506623 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-secreting β-cells are functionally heterogeneous. Whether there exist cells driving the first-phase calcium response in individual islets, has not been examined. We examine “first responder” cells, defined by the earliest [Ca2+] response during first-phase [Ca2+] elevation, distinct from previously identified “hub” and “leader” cells. We used islets isolated from Mip-CreER; Rosa-Stop-Lox-Stop-GCamP6s mice (β-GCamP6s) that show β-cell-specific GCamP6s expression following tamoxifen-induced CreER-mediated recombination. First responder cells showed characteristics of high membrane excitability and lower electrical coupling to their neighbors. The first-phase response time of β-cells in the islet was spatially organized, dependent on the cell’s distance to the first responder cell, and consistent over time up to approximately 24 h. When first responder cells were laser ablated, the first-phase [Ca2+] was slowed down, diminished, and discoordinated compared to random cell ablation. Cells that were next earliest to respond often took over the role of the first responder upon ablation. In summary, we discover and characterize a distinct first responder β-cell state, critical for the islet first-phase response to glucose. A hallmark of the early stages in diabetes is the disruption of the first-phase peak of insulin secretion. This study reveals a state of beta cells that drives the first-phase calcium response (a precursor to insulin secretion), challenging the existing paradigm that first-phase calcium response to glucose is not organized within the islet.
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Zaborska KE, Jordan KL, Thorson AS, Dadi PK, Schaub CM, Nakhe AY, Dickerson MT, Lynch JC, Weiss AJ, Dobson JR, Jacobson DA. Liraglutide increases islet Ca 2+ oscillation frequency and insulin secretion by activating hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1741-1752. [PMID: 35546791 PMCID: PMC9843726 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To determine whether hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels impact glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (GLP-1R) modulation of islet Ca2+ handling and insulin secretion. METHODS The impact of liraglutide (GLP-1 analogue) on islet Ca2+ handling, HCN currents and insulin secretion was monitored with fluorescence microscopy, electrophysiology and enzyme immunoassays, respectively. Furthermore, liraglutide-mediated β-to-δ-cell cross-communication was assessed following selective ablation of either mouse islet δ or β cells. RESULTS Liraglutide increased β-cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency in mouse and human islets under stimulatory glucose conditions. This was dependent in part on liraglutide activation of HCN channels, which also enhanced insulin secretion. Similarly, liraglutide activation of HCN channels also increased β-cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency in islets from rodents exposed to a diabetogenic diet. Interestingly, liraglutide accelerated Ca2+ oscillations in a majority of islet δ cells, which showed synchronized Ca2+ oscillations equivalent to β cells; therefore, we assessed if either cell type was driving this liraglutide-mediated islet Ca2+ response. Although δ-cell loss did not impact liraglutide-mediated increase in β-cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency, β-cell ablation attenuated liraglutide-facilitated acceleration of δ-cell Ca2+ oscillations. CONCLUSION The data presented here show that liraglutide-induced stimulation of islet HCN channels augments Ca2+ oscillation frequency. As insulin secretion oscillates with β-cell Ca2+ , these findings have important implications for pulsatile insulin secretion that is probably enhanced by liraglutide activation of HCN channels and therapeutics that target GLP-1Rs for treating diabetes. Furthermore, these studies suggest that liraglutide as well as GLP-1-based therapies enhance δ-cell Ca2+ oscillation frequency and somatostatin secretion kinetics in a β-cell-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina E Zaborska
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kelli L Jordan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ariel S Thorson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Prasanna K Dadi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Charles M Schaub
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Arya Y Nakhe
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew T Dickerson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Joshua C Lynch
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Adam J Weiss
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jordyn R Dobson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David A Jacobson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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14
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Farnsworth NL, Piscopio RA, Schleicher WE, Ramirez DG, Miranda JG, Benninger RKP. Modulation of Gap Junction Coupling Within the Islet of Langerhans During the Development of Type 1 Diabetes. Front Physiol 2022; 13:913611. [PMID: 35837011 PMCID: PMC9274093 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.913611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In type 1 diabetes (T1D), islet dysfunction occurs prior to diabetes onset. Pro-inflammatory cytokines can disrupt insulin secretion and Ca2+ homeostasis. Connexin36 (Cx36) gap junctions electrically couple β-cells to coordinate glucose-stimulated Ca2+ and insulin secretion. Cx36 gap junction coupling can also protect against cytokine-induced apoptosis. Our goal was to determine how islet gap junction coupling and Ca2+ dynamics are altered in mouse models of T1D prior to diabetes. Glucose tolerance was assessed in NOD and immunodeficient NOD-RAG1KO mice at 6-12 weeks age. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, Ca2+ dynamics, and gap junction coupling were measured in islets isolated at each age. Gap junction coupling was also measured in islets from mice that underwent transfer of diabetogenic splenocytes and from chromograninA knockout NOD mice. Cell death was measured in islets isolated from wild-type, Cx36 knockout or Cx36 over-expression mice, each treated with a cocktail of pro-inflammatory cytokines and KATP or SERCA activators/inhibitors. NOD mice over-expressing Cx36 were also monitored for diabetes development, and islets assessed for insulitis and apoptosis. NOD and NOD-RAG1KO controls showed similar glucose tolerance at all ages. Ca2+ dynamics and gap junction coupling were disrupted in islets of NOD mice at 9 weeks, compared to controls. Transfer of diabetogenic splenocytes also decreased gap junction coupling. Islets from chromograninA knockout mice displayed normal coupling. Overexpression of Cx36 protected islets from cytokine-induced apoptosis. A knockout of Cx36 amplified cytokine-induced apoptosis, which was reversed by KATP activation or SERCA activation. Cx36 overexpression in NOD mice delayed diabetes development compared to NOD controls. However, apoptosis and insulitis were not improved. Decreases in islet gap junction coupling occur prior to T1D onset. Such decreases alter islet susceptibility to apoptosis due to altered Ca2+. Future studies will determine if increasing Cx36 gap junction coupling in combination with restoring Ca2+ homeostasis protects against islet decline in T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L. Farnsworth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, United States,Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Robert A. Piscopio
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Wolfgang E. Schleicher
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - David G. Ramirez
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jose G. Miranda
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Richard K. P. Benninger
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, Universty of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States,*Correspondence: Richard K. P. Benninger,
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15
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Guérineau NC, Campos P, Le Tissier PR, Hodson DJ, Mollard P. Cell Networks in Endocrine/Neuroendocrine Gland Function. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3371-3415. [PMID: 35578964 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction, growth, stress, and metabolism are determined by endocrine/neuroendocrine systems that regulate circulating hormone concentrations. All these systems generate rhythms and changes in hormone pulsatility observed in a variety of pathophysiological states. Thus, the output of endocrine/neuroendocrine systems must be regulated within a narrow window of effective hormone concentrations but must also maintain a capacity for plasticity to respond to changing physiological demands. Remarkably most endocrinologists still have a "textbook" view of endocrine gland organization which has emanated from 20th century histological studies on thin 2D tissue sections. However, 21st -century technological advances, including in-depth 3D imaging of specific cell types have vastly changed our knowledge. We now know that various levels of multicellular organization can be found across different glands, that organizational motifs can vary between species and can be modified to enhance or decrease hormonal release. This article focuses on how the organization of cells regulates hormone output using three endocrine/neuroendocrine glands that present different levels of organization and complexity: the adrenal medulla, with a single neuroendocrine cell type; the anterior pituitary, with multiple intermingled cell types; and the pancreas with multiple intermingled cell types organized into distinct functional units. We give an overview of recent methodologies that allow the study of the different components within endocrine systems, particularly their temporal and spatial relationships. We believe the emerging findings about network organization, and its impact on hormone secretion, are crucial to understanding how homeostatic regulation of endocrine axes is carried out within endocrine organs themselves. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3371-3415, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pauline Campos
- College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Paul R Le Tissier
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - David J Hodson
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK.,Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK.,COMPARE University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham Midlands, UK.,Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Patrice Mollard
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
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16
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Miranda JG, Schleicher WE, Wells KL, Ramirez DG, Landgrave SP, Benninger RKP. Dynamic changes in β-cell [Ca 2+] regulate NFAT activation, gene transcription, and islet gap junction communication. Mol Metab 2022; 57:101430. [PMID: 34979329 PMCID: PMC8804269 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetes occurs because of insufficient insulin secretion due to β-cell dysfunction within the islet of Langerhans. Elevated glucose levels trigger β-cell membrane depolarization, action potential generation, and slow sustained free-Ca2+ ([Ca2+]) oscillations, which trigger insulin release. Nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) is a transcription factor, which is regulated by the increases in [Ca2+] and calceineurin (CaN) activation. NFAT regulation links cell activity with gene transcription in many systems and regulates proliferation and insulin granule biogenesis within the β-cell. However, the link between the regulation of β-cell electrical activity and oscillatory [Ca2+] dynamics with NFAT activation and downstream transcription is poorly understood. Here, we tested whether dynamic changes to β-cell electrical activity and [Ca2+] regulate NFAT activation and downstream transcription. METHODS In cell lines, mouse islets, and human islets, including those from donors with type 2 diabetes, we applied both agonists/antagonists of ion channels together with optogenetics to modulate β-cell electrical activity. We measured the dynamics of [Ca2+] and NFAT activation as well as performed whole transcriptome and functional analyses. RESULTS Both glucose-induced membrane depolarization and optogenetic stimulation triggered NFAT activation as well as increased the transcription of NFAT targets and intermediate early genes (IEGs). Importantly, slow, sustained [Ca2+] oscillation conditions led to NFAT activation and downstream transcription. In contrast, in human islets from donors with type2 diabetes, NFAT activation by glucose was diminished, but rescued upon pharmacological stimulation of electrical activity. NFAT activation regulated GJD2 expression and increased Cx36 gap junction permeability upon elevated oscillatory [Ca2+] dynamics. However, it is unclear if NFAT directly binds the GJD2 gene to regulate expression. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an insight into the specific patterns of electrical activity that regulate NFAT activation, gene transcription, and islet function. In addition, it provides information on how these factors are disrupted in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose G Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, 80045, USA
| | - Wolfgang E Schleicher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, 80045, USA
| | - Kristen L Wells
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - David G Ramirez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, 80045, USA
| | - Samantha P Landgrave
- Program in Cell Biology, Stem Cell and Development, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora CO, 80045, USA; Program in Cell Biology, Stem Cell and Development, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA; Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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17
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Stožer A, Šterk M, Paradiž Leitgeb E, Markovič R, Skelin Klemen M, Ellis CE, Križančić Bombek L, Dolenšek J, MacDonald PE, Gosak M. From Isles of Königsberg to Islets of Langerhans: Examining the Function of the Endocrine Pancreas Through Network Science. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:922640. [PMID: 35784543 PMCID: PMC9240343 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.922640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Islets of Langerhans are multicellular microorgans located in the pancreas that play a central role in whole-body energy homeostasis. Through secretion of insulin and other hormones they regulate postprandial storage and interprandial usage of energy-rich nutrients. In these clusters of hormone-secreting endocrine cells, intricate cell-cell communication is essential for proper function. Electrical coupling between the insulin-secreting beta cells through gap junctions composed of connexin36 is particularly important, as it provides the required, most important, basis for coordinated responses of the beta cell population. The increasing evidence that gap-junctional communication and its modulation are vital to well-regulated secretion of insulin has stimulated immense interest in how subpopulations of heterogeneous beta cells are functionally arranged throughout the islets and how they mediate intercellular signals. In the last decade, several novel techniques have been proposed to assess cooperation between cells in islets, including the prosperous combination of multicellular imaging and network science. In the present contribution, we review recent advances related to the application of complex network approaches to uncover the functional connectivity patterns among cells within the islets. We first provide an accessible introduction to the basic principles of network theory, enumerating the measures characterizing the intercellular interactions and quantifying the functional integration and segregation of a multicellular system. Then we describe methodological approaches to construct functional beta cell networks, point out possible pitfalls, and specify the functional implications of beta cell network examinations. We continue by highlighting the recent findings obtained through advanced multicellular imaging techniques supported by network-based analyses, giving special emphasis to the current developments in both mouse and human islets, as well as outlining challenges offered by the multilayer network formalism in exploring the collective activity of islet cell populations. Finally, we emphasize that the combination of these imaging techniques and network-based analyses does not only represent an innovative concept that can be used to describe and interpret the physiology of islets, but also provides fertile ground for delineating normal from pathological function and for quantifying the changes in islet communication networks associated with the development of diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Šterk
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Eva Paradiž Leitgeb
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rene Markovič
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Institute of Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maša Skelin Klemen
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Cara E. Ellis
- Department of Pharmacology and Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Patrick E. MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marko Gosak
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Marko Gosak,
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18
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Benninger RKP, Kravets V. The physiological role of β-cell heterogeneity in pancreatic islet function. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:9-22. [PMID: 34667280 PMCID: PMC8915749 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-021-00568-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine cells within the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are heterogeneous in terms of transcriptional profile, protein expression and the regulation of hormone release. Even though this heterogeneity has long been appreciated, only within the past 5 years have detailed molecular analyses led to an improved understanding of its basis. Although we are beginning to recognize why some subpopulations of endocrine cells are phenotypically different to others, arguably the most important consideration is how this heterogeneity affects the regulation of hormone release to control the homeostasis of glucose and other energy-rich nutrients. The focus of this Review is the description of how endocrine cell heterogeneity (and principally that of insulin-secreting β-cells) affects the regulation of hormone secretion within the islets of Langerhans. This discussion includes an overview of the functional characteristics of the different islet cell subpopulations and describes how they can communicate to influence islet function under basal and glucose-stimulated conditions. We further discuss how changes to the specific islet cell subpopulations or their numbers might underlie islet dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus. We conclude with a discussion of several key open questions regarding the physiological role of islet cell heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Vira Kravets
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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19
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Korošak D, Jusup M, Podobnik B, Stožer A, Dolenšek J, Holme P, Rupnik MS. Autopoietic Influence Hierarchies in Pancreatic β Cells. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2021; 127:168101. [PMID: 34723613 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.127.168101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
β cells are biologically essential for humans and other vertebrates. Because their functionality arises from cell-cell interactions, they are also a model system for collective organization among cells. There are currently two contradictory pictures of this organization: the hub-cell idea pointing at leaders who coordinate the others, and the electrophysiological theory describing all cells as equal. We use new data and computational modeling to reconcile these pictures. We find via a network representation of interacting β cells that leaders emerge naturally (confirming the hub-cell idea), yet all cells can take the hub role following a perturbation (in line with electrophysiology).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Korošak
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Transportation Engineering and Architecture, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Jusup
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Boris Podobnik
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
- Center for Polymer Studies, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Zagreb School of Economics and Management, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Luxembourg School of Business, 2453 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Information Studies in Novo mesto, 8000 Novo Mesto, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Petter Holme
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Marjan Slak Rupnik
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Alma Mater Europaea-European Center Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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20
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Adams MT, Dwulet JM, Briggs JK, Reissaus CA, Jin E, Szulczewski JM, Lyman MR, Sdao SM, Kravets V, Nimkulrat SD, Ponik SM, Merrins MJ, Mirmira RG, Linnemann AK, Benninger RKP, Blum B. Reduced synchroneity of intra-islet Ca 2+ oscillations in vivo in Robo-deficient β cells. eLife 2021; 10:e61308. [PMID: 34231467 PMCID: PMC8289414 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatial architecture of the islets of Langerhans is hypothesized to facilitate synchronized insulin secretion among β cells, yet testing this in vivo in the intact pancreas is challenging. Robo βKO mice, in which the genes Robo1 and Robo2 are deleted selectively in β cells, provide a unique model of altered islet spatial architecture without loss of β cell differentiation or islet damage from diabetes. Combining Robo βKO mice with intravital microscopy, we show here that Robo βKO islets have reduced synchronized intra-islet Ca2+ oscillations among β cells in vivo. We provide evidence that this loss is not due to a β cell-intrinsic function of Robo, mis-expression or mis-localization of Cx36 gap junctions, or changes in islet vascularization or innervation, suggesting that the islet architecture itself is required for synchronized Ca2+ oscillations. These results have implications for understanding structure-function relationships in the islets during progression to diabetes as well as engineering islets from stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa T Adams
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - JaeAnn M Dwulet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Jennifer K Briggs
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Christopher A Reissaus
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research and Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUnited States
| | - Erli Jin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Joseph M Szulczewski
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Melissa R Lyman
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Sophia M Sdao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Vira Kravets
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Sutichot D Nimkulrat
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Suzanne M Ponik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Matthew J Merrins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Raghavendra G Mirmira
- Kovler Diabetes Center and the Department of Medicine, University of ChicagoChicagoUnited States
| | - Amelia K Linnemann
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research and Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisUnited States
| | - Richard KP Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraUnited States
| | - Barak Blum
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
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21
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Stožer A, Paradiž Leitgeb E, Pohorec V, Dolenšek J, Križančić Bombek L, Gosak M, Skelin Klemen M. The Role of cAMP in Beta Cell Stimulus-Secretion and Intercellular Coupling. Cells 2021; 10:1658. [PMID: 34359828 PMCID: PMC8304079 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic beta cells secrete insulin in response to stimulation with glucose and other nutrients, and impaired insulin secretion plays a central role in development of diabetes mellitus. Pharmacological management of diabetes includes various antidiabetic drugs, including incretins. The incretin hormones, glucagon-like peptide-1 and gastric inhibitory polypeptide, potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by binding to G protein-coupled receptors, resulting in stimulation of adenylate cyclase and production of the secondary messenger cAMP, which exerts its intracellular effects through activation of protein kinase A or the guanine nucleotide exchange protein 2A. The molecular mechanisms behind these two downstream signaling arms are still not fully elucidated and involve many steps in the stimulus-secretion coupling cascade, ranging from the proximal regulation of ion channel activity to the central Ca2+ signal and the most distal exocytosis. In addition to modifying intracellular coupling, the effect of cAMP on insulin secretion could also be at least partly explained by the impact on intercellular coupling. In this review, we systematically describe the possible roles of cAMP at these intra- and inter-cellular signaling nodes, keeping in mind the relevance for the whole organism and translation to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Stožer
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Eva Paradiž Leitgeb
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Viljem Pohorec
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Lidija Križančić Bombek
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
| | - Marko Gosak
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Maša Skelin Klemen
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (A.S.); (E.P.L.); (V.P.); (J.D.); (L.K.B.); (M.G.)
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22
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Ng XW, Chung YH, Piston DW. Intercellular Communication in the Islet of Langerhans in Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2021; 11:2191-2225. [PMID: 34190340 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Blood glucose homeostasis requires proper function of pancreatic islets, which secrete insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin from the β-, α-, and δ-cells, respectively. Each islet cell type is equipped with intrinsic mechanisms for glucose sensing and secretory actions, but these intrinsic mechanisms alone cannot explain the observed secretory profiles from intact islets. Regulation of secretion involves interconnected mechanisms among and between islet cell types. Islet cells lose their normal functional signatures and secretory behaviors upon dispersal as compared to intact islets and in vivo. In dispersed islet cells, the glucose response of insulin secretion is attenuated from that seen from whole islets, coordinated oscillations in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ activity, as well as the two-phase insulin secretion profile, are missing, and glucagon secretion displays higher basal secretion profile and a reverse glucose-dependent response from that of intact islets. These observations highlight the critical roles of intercellular communication within the pancreatic islet, and how these communication pathways are crucial for proper hormonal and nonhormonal secretion and glucose homeostasis. Further, misregulated secretions of islet secretory products that arise from defective intercellular islet communication are implicated in diabetes. Intercellular communication within the islet environment comprises multiple mechanisms, including electrical synapses from gap junctional coupling, paracrine interactions among neighboring cells, and direct cell-to-cell contacts in the form of juxtacrine signaling. In this article, we describe the various mechanisms that contribute to proper islet function for each islet cell type and how intercellular islet communications are coordinated among the same and different islet cell types. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:2191-2225, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue W Ng
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Yong H Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David W Piston
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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23
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Murphy KJ, Reed DA, Trpceski M, Herrmann D, Timpson P. Quantifying and visualising the nuances of cellular dynamics in vivo using intravital imaging. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 72:41-53. [PMID: 34091131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Intravital imaging is a powerful technology used to quantify and track dynamic changes in live cells and tissues within an intact environment. The ability to watch cell biology in real-time 'as it happens' has provided novel insight into tissue homeostasis, as well as disease initiation, progression and response to treatment. In this minireview, we highlight recent advances in the field of intravital microscopy, touching upon advances in awake versus anaesthesia-based approaches, as well as the integration of biosensors into intravital imaging. We also discuss current challenges that, in our opinion, need to be overcome to further advance the field of intravital imaging at the single-cell, subcellular and molecular resolution to reveal nuances of cell behaviour that can be targeted in complex disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendelle J Murphy
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Theme, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Daniel A Reed
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Theme, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - Michael Trpceski
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Theme, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Theme, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research & The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Theme, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia; St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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24
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Šterk M, Križančić Bombek L, Skelin Klemen M, Slak Rupnik M, Marhl M, Stožer A, Gosak M. NMDA receptor inhibition increases, synchronizes, and stabilizes the collective pancreatic beta cell activity: Insights through multilayer network analysis. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009002. [PMID: 33974632 PMCID: PMC8139480 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors promote repolarization in pancreatic beta cells and thereby reduce glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Therefore, NMDA receptors are a potential therapeutic target for diabetes. While the mechanism of NMDA receptor inhibition in beta cells is rather well understood at the molecular level, its possible effects on the collective cellular activity have not been addressed to date, even though proper insulin secretion patterns result from well-synchronized beta cell behavior. The latter is enabled by strong intercellular connectivity, which governs propagating calcium waves across the islets and makes the heterogeneous beta cell population work in synchrony. Since a disrupted collective activity is an important and possibly early contributor to impaired insulin secretion and glucose intolerance, it is of utmost importance to understand possible effects of NMDA receptor inhibition on beta cell functional connectivity. To address this issue, we combined confocal functional multicellular calcium imaging in mouse tissue slices with network science approaches. Our results revealed that NMDA receptor inhibition increases, synchronizes, and stabilizes beta cell activity without affecting the velocity or size of calcium waves. To explore intercellular interactions more precisely, we made use of the multilayer network formalism by regarding each calcium wave as an individual network layer, with weighted directed connections portraying the intercellular propagation. NMDA receptor inhibition stabilized both the role of wave initiators and the course of waves. The findings obtained with the experimental antagonist of NMDA receptors, MK-801, were additionally validated with dextrorphan, the active metabolite of the approved drug dextromethorphan, as well as with experiments on NMDA receptor KO mice. In sum, our results provide additional and new evidence for a possible role of NMDA receptor inhibition in treatment of type 2 diabetes and introduce the multilayer network paradigm as a general strategy to examine effects of drugs on connectivity in multicellular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Šterk
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | | | - Marjan Slak Rupnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Alma Mater Europaea–ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Andraž Stožer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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25
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Chabosseau P, Rutter GA, Millership SJ. Importance of Both Imprinted Genes and Functional Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Beta Cells: Is There a Link? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1000. [PMID: 33498234 PMCID: PMC7863946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus now affects more than 400 million individuals worldwide, with significant impacts on the lives of those affected and associated socio-economic costs. Although defects in insulin secretion underlie all forms of the disease, the molecular mechanisms which drive them are still poorly understood. Subsets of specialised beta cells have, in recent years, been suggested to play critical roles in "pacing" overall islet activity. The molecular nature of these cells, the means through which their identity is established and the changes which may contribute to their functional demise and "loss of influence" in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are largely unknown. Genomic imprinting involves the selective silencing of one of the two parental alleles through DNA methylation and modified imprinted gene expression is involved in a number of diseases. Loss of expression, or loss of imprinting, can be shown in mouse models to lead to defects in beta cell function and abnormal insulin secretion. In the present review we survey the evidence that altered expression of imprinted genes contribute to loss of beta cell function, the importance of beta cell heterogeneity in normal and disease states, and hypothesise whether there is a direct link between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Steven J. Millership
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK; (P.C.); (G.A.R.)
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26
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Corezola do Amaral ME, Kravets V, Dwulet JM, Farnsworth NL, Piscopio R, Schleicher WE, Miranda JG, Benninger RKP. Caloric restriction recovers impaired β-cell-β-cell gap junction coupling, calcium oscillation coordination, and insulin secretion in prediabetic mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E709-E720. [PMID: 32830549 PMCID: PMC7750515 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00132.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Caloric restriction can decrease the incidence of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mechanisms underlying the benefits of caloric restriction involved in insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis are not fully understood. Intercellular communication within the islets of Langerhans, mediated by Connexin36 (Cx36) gap junctions, regulates insulin secretion dynamics and glucose homeostasis. The goal of this study was to determine whether caloric restriction can protect against decreases in Cx36 gap junction coupling and altered islet function induced in models of obesity and prediabetes. C57BL6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD), showing indications of prediabetes after 2 mo, including weight gain, insulin resistance, and elevated fasting glucose and insulin levels. Subsequently, mice were submitted to 1 mo of 40% caloric restriction (2 g/day of HFD). Mice under 40% caloric restriction showed reversal in weight gain and recovered insulin sensitivity, fasting glucose, and insulin levels. In islets of mice fed the HFD, caloric restriction protected against obesity-induced decreases in gap junction coupling and preserved glucose-stimulated calcium signaling, including Ca2+ oscillation coordination and oscillation amplitude. Caloric restriction also promoted a slight increase in glucose metabolism, as measured by increased NAD(P)H autofluorescence, as well as recovering glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. We conclude that declines in Cx36 gap junction coupling that occur in obesity can be completely recovered by caloric restriction and obesity reversal, improving Ca2+ dynamics and insulin secretion regulation. This suggests a critical role for caloric restriction in the context of obesity to prevent islet dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vira Kravets
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - JaeAnn M. Dwulet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - Nikki L. Farnsworth
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - Robert Piscopio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - Wolfgang E. Schleicher
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - Jose Guadalupe Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
| | - Richard K. P. Benninger
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Denver, Colorado
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27
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Rutter GA, Ninov N, Salem V, Hodson DJ. Comment on Satin et al. "Take Me To Your Leader": An Electrophysiological Appraisal of the Role of Hub Cells in Pancreatic Islets. Diabetes 2020;69:830-836. Diabetes 2020; 69:e10-e11. [PMID: 32820056 PMCID: PMC7458040 DOI: 10.2337/db20-0501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guy A Rutter
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, U.K.
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nikolay Ninov
- Center for Regenerative Therapies at Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Dresden, Germany
| | - Victoria Salem
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, U.K
| | - David J Hodson
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, U.K.
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, U.K
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Midlands, Birmingham, U.K
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28
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Dwulet JM, Ludin NWF, Piscopio RA, Schleicher WE, Moua O, Westacott MJ, Benninger RKP. How Heterogeneity in Glucokinase and Gap-Junction Coupling Determines the Islet [Ca 2+] Response. Biophys J 2019; 117:2188-2203. [PMID: 31753287 PMCID: PMC6895742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how cell subpopulations in a tissue impact overall system function is challenging. There is extensive heterogeneity among insulin-secreting β-cells within islets of Langerhans, including their insulin secretory response and gene expression profile, and this heterogeneity can be altered in diabetes. Several studies have identified variations in nutrient sensing between β-cells, including glucokinase (GK) levels, mitochondrial function, or expression of genes important for glucose metabolism. Subpopulations of β-cells with defined electrical properties can disproportionately influence islet-wide free-calcium activity ([Ca2+]) and insulin secretion via gap-junction electrical coupling. However, it is poorly understood how subpopulations of β-cells with altered glucose metabolism may impact islet function. To address this, we utilized a multicellular computational model of the islet in which a population of cells deficient in GK activity and glucose metabolism was imposed on the islet or in which β-cells were heterogeneous in glucose metabolism and GK kinetics were altered. This included simulating GK gene (GCK) mutations that cause monogenic diabetes. We combined these approaches with experimental models in which gck was genetically deleted in a population of cells or GK was pharmacologically inhibited. In each case, we modulated gap-junction electrical coupling. Both the simulated islet and the experimental system required 30-50% of the cells to have near-normal glucose metabolism, fewer than cells with normal KATP conductance. Below this number, the islet lacked any glucose-stimulated [Ca2+] elevations. In the absence of electrical coupling, the change in [Ca2+] was more gradual. As such, electrical coupling allows a large minority of cells with normal glucose metabolism to promote glucose-stimulated [Ca2+]. If insufficient numbers of cells are present, which we predict can be caused by a subset of GCK mutations that cause monogenic diabetes, electrical coupling exacerbates [Ca2+] suppression. This demonstrates precisely how metabolically heterogeneous β-cell populations interact to impact islet function.
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Affiliation(s)
- JaeAnn M Dwulet
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nurin W F Ludin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Robert A Piscopio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Ong Moua
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.
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29
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Stožer A, Markovič R, Dolenšek J, Perc M, Marhl M, Slak Rupnik M, Gosak M. Heterogeneity and Delayed Activation as Hallmarks of Self-Organization and Criticality in Excitable Tissue. Front Physiol 2019; 10:869. [PMID: 31333504 PMCID: PMC6624746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-organized critical dynamics is assumed to be an attractive mode of functioning for several real-life systems and entails an emergent activity in which the extent of observables follows a power-law distribution. The hallmarks of criticality have recently been observed in a plethora of biological systems, including beta cell populations within pancreatic islets of Langerhans. In the present study, we systematically explored the mechanisms that drive the critical and supercritical behavior in networks of coupled beta cells under different circumstances by means of experimental and computational approaches. Experimentally, we employed high-speed functional multicellular calcium imaging of fluorescently labeled acute mouse pancreas tissue slices to record calcium signals in a large number of beta cells simultaneously, and with a high spatiotemporal resolution. Our experimental results revealed that the cellular responses to stimulation with glucose are biphasic and glucose-dependent. Under physiological as well as under supraphysiological levels of stimulation, an initial activation phase was followed by a supercritical plateau phase with a high number of global intercellular calcium waves. However, the activation phase displayed fingerprints of critical behavior under lower stimulation levels, with a progressive recruitment of cells and a power-law distribution of calcium wave sizes. On the other hand, the activation phase provoked by pathophysiologically high glucose concentrations, differed considerably and was more rapid, less continuous, and supercritical. To gain a deeper insight into the experimentally observed complex dynamical patterns, we built up a phenomenological model of coupled excitable cells and explored empirically the model’s necessities that ensured a good overlap between computational and experimental results. It turned out that such a good agreement between experimental and computational findings was attained when both heterogeneous and stimulus-dependent time lags, variability in excitability levels, as well as a heterogeneous cell-cell coupling were included into the model. Most importantly, since our phenomenological approach involved only a few parameters, it naturally lends itself not only for determining key mechanisms of self-organized criticality at the tissue level, but also points out various features for comprehensive and realistic modeling of different excitable systems in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andraž Stožer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Rene Markovič
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Energy Technology, University of Maribor, Krško, Slovenia
| | - Jurij Dolenšek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Perc
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Center for Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marko Marhl
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Education, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marjan Slak Rupnik
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Alma Mater Europaea - ECM, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Marko Gosak
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.,Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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30
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Farnsworth NL, Walter R, Piscopio RA, Schleicher WE, Benninger RKP. Exendin-4 overcomes cytokine-induced decreases in gap junction coupling via protein kinase A and Epac2 in mouse and human islets. J Physiol 2019; 597:431-447. [PMID: 30412665 PMCID: PMC6332825 DOI: 10.1113/jp276106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS The pancreatic islets of Langerhans maintain glucose homeostasis through insulin secretion, where insulin secretion dynamics are regulated by intracellular Ca2+ signalling and electrical coupling of the insulin producing β-cells in the islet. We have previously shown that cytokines decrease β-cell coupling and that compounds which increase cAMP can increase coupling. In both mouse and human islets exendin-4, which increases cAMP, protected against cytokine-induced decreases in coupling and in mouse islets preserved glucose-stimulated calcium signalling by increasing connexin36 gap junction levels on the plasma membrane. Our data indicate that protein kinase A regulates β-cell coupling through a fast mechanism, such as channel gating or membrane organization, while Epac2 regulates slower mechanisms of regulation, such as gap junction turnover. Increases in β-cell coupling with exendin-4 may protect against cytokine-mediated β-cell death as well as preserve insulin secretion dynamics during the development of diabetes. ABSTRACT The pancreatic islets of Langerhans maintain glucose homeostasis. Insulin secretion from islet β-cells is driven by glucose metabolism, depolarization of the cell membrane and an influx of calcium, which initiates the release of insulin. Gap junctions composed of connexin36 (Cx36) electrically couple β-cells, regulating calcium signalling and insulin secretion dynamics. Cx36 coupling is decreased in pre-diabetic mice, suggesting a role for altered coupling in diabetes. Our previous work has shown that pro-inflammatory cytokines decrease Cx36 coupling and that compounds which increase cAMP can increase Cx36 coupling. The goal of this study was to determine if exendin-4, which increases cAMP, can protect against cytokine-induced decreases in Cx36 coupling and altered islet function. In both mouse and human islets, exendin-4 protected against cytokine-induced decreases in coupling and preserved glucose-stimulated calcium signalling. Exendin-4 also protected against protein kinase Cδ-mediated decreases in Cx36 coupling. Exendin-4 preserved coupling in mouse islets by preserving Cx36 levels on the plasma membrane. Exendin-4 regulated Cx36 coupling via both protein kinase A (PKA)- and Epac2-mediated mechanisms in cytokine-treated islets. In mouse islets, modulating Epac2 had a greater impact in mediating Cx36 coupling, while in human islets modulating PKA had a greater impact on Cx36 coupling. Our data indicate that PKA regulates Cx36 coupling through a fast mechanism, such as channel gating, while Epac2 regulates slower mechanisms of regulation, such as Cx36 turnover in the membrane. Increases in Cx36 coupling with exendin-4 may protect against cytokine-mediated β-cell dysfunction to insulin secretion dynamics during the development of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L. Farnsworth
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood DiabetesUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Rachelle Walter
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Robert A. Piscopio
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Wolfgang E. Schleicher
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
| | - Richard K. P. Benninger
- Barbara Davis Center for Childhood DiabetesUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CampusAuroraCO80045USA
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Benninger RKP, Hodson DJ. New Understanding of β-Cell Heterogeneity and In Situ Islet Function. Diabetes 2018; 67:537-547. [PMID: 29559510 PMCID: PMC5860861 DOI: 10.2337/dbi17-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Insulin-secreting β-cells are heterogeneous in their regulation of hormone release. While long known, recent technological advances and new markers have allowed the identification of novel subpopulations, improving our understanding of the molecular basis for heterogeneity. This includes specific subpopulations with distinct functional characteristics, developmental programs, abilities to proliferate in response to metabolic or developmental cues, and resistance to immune-mediated damage. Importantly, these subpopulations change in disease or aging, including in human disease. Although discovering new β-cell subpopulations has substantially advanced our understanding of islet biology, a point of caution is that these characteristics have often necessarily been identified in single β-cells dissociated from the islet. β-Cells in the islet show extensive communication with each other via gap junctions and with other cell types via diffusible chemical messengers. As such, how these different subpopulations contribute to in situ islet function, including during plasticity, is not well understood. We will discuss recent findings revealing functional β-cell subpopulations in the intact islet, the underlying basis for these identified subpopulations, and how these subpopulations may influence in situ islet function. Furthermore, we will discuss the outlook for emerging technologies to gain further insight into the role of subpopulations in in situ islet function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - David J Hodson
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K.
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, U.K
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham, U.K
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Nobis M, Warren SC, Lucas MC, Murphy KJ, Herrmann D, Timpson P. Molecular mobility and activity in an intravital imaging setting - implications for cancer progression and targeting. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/5/jcs206995. [PMID: 29511095 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.206995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mobility, localisation and spatiotemporal activity are at the core of cell biological processes and deregulation of these dynamic events can underpin disease development and progression. Recent advances in intravital imaging techniques in mice are providing new avenues to study real-time molecular behaviour in intact tissues within a live organism and to gain exciting insights into the intricate regulation of live cell biology at the microscale level. The monitoring of fluorescently labelled proteins and agents can be combined with autofluorescent properties of the microenvironment to provide a comprehensive snapshot of in vivo cell biology. In this Review, we summarise recent intravital microscopy approaches in mice, in processes ranging from normal development and homeostasis to disease progression and treatment in cancer, where we emphasise the utility of intravital imaging to observe dynamic and transient events in vivo We also highlight the recent integration of advanced subcellular imaging techniques into the intravital imaging pipeline, which can provide in-depth biological information beyond the single-cell level. We conclude with an outlook of ongoing developments in intravital microscopy towards imaging in humans, as well as provide an overview of the challenges the intravital imaging community currently faces and outline potential ways for overcoming these hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Nobis
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sean C Warren
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Morghan C Lucas
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Kendelle J Murphy
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
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Lei CL, Kellard JA, Hara M, Johnson JD, Rodriguez B, Briant LJ. Beta-cell hubs maintain Ca 2+ oscillations in human and mouse islet simulations. Islets 2018; 10:151-167. [PMID: 30142036 PMCID: PMC6113907 DOI: 10.1080/19382014.2018.1493316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Islet β-cells are responsible for secreting all circulating insulin in response to rising plasma glucose concentrations. These cells are a phenotypically diverse population that express great functional heterogeneity. In mice, certain β-cells (termed 'hubs') have been shown to be crucial for dictating the islet response to high glucose, with inhibition of these hub cells abolishing the coordinated Ca2+ oscillations necessary for driving insulin secretion. These β-cell hubs were found to be highly metabolic and susceptible to pro-inflammatory and glucolipotoxic insults. In this study, we explored the importance of hub cells in human by constructing mathematical models of Ca2+ activity in human islets. Our simulations revealed that hubs dictate the coordinated Ca2+ response in both mouse and human islets; silencing a small proportion of hubs abolished whole-islet Ca2+ activity. We also observed that if hubs are assumed to be preferentially gap junction coupled, then the simulations better adhere to the available experimental data. Our simulations of 16 size-matched mouse and human islet architectures revealed that there are species differences in the role of hubs; Ca2+ activity in human islets was more vulnerable to hub inhibition than mouse islets. These simulation results not only substantiate the existence of β-cell hubs, but also suggest that hubs may be favorably coupled in the electrical and metabolic network of the islet, and that targeted destruction of these cells would greatly impair human islet function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chon-Lok Lei
- Doctoral Training Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joely A. Kellard
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Manami Hara
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - James D. Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Diabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Linford J.B. Briant
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Westacott MJ, Ludin NWF, Benninger RKP. Spatially Organized β-Cell Subpopulations Control Electrical Dynamics across Islets of Langerhans. Biophys J 2017; 113:1093-1108. [PMID: 28877492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how heterogeneous cells within a multicellular system interact and affect overall function is difficult without a means of perturbing individual cells or subpopulations. Here we apply optogenetics to understand how subpopulations of β-cells control the overall [Ca2+]i response and insulin secretion dynamics of the islets of Langerhans. We spatiotemporally perturbed electrical activity in β-cells of channelrhodopsin2-expressing islets, mapped the [Ca2+]i response, and correlated this with the cellular metabolic activity and an in silico electrophysiology model. We discovered organized regions of metabolic activity across the islet, and these affect the way in which β-cells electrically interact. Specific regions acted as pacemakers by initiating calcium wave propagation. Our findings reveal the functional architecture of the islet, and show how distinct subpopulations of cells can disproportionality affect function. These results also suggest ways in which other neuroendocrine systems can be regulated, and demonstrate how optogenetic tools can discern their functional architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nurin W F Ludin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.
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Aligned ovine diaphragmatic myoblasts overexpressing human connexin-43 seeded on poly (L-lactic acid) scaffolds for potential use in cardiac regeneration. Cytotechnology 2017; 70:651-664. [PMID: 29143226 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-017-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diaphragmatic myoblasts (DMs) are precursors of type-1 muscle cells displaying high exhaustion threshold on account that they contract and relax 20 times/min over a lifespan, making them potentially useful in cardiac regeneration strategies. Besides, it has been shown that biomaterials for stem cell delivery improve cell retention and viability in the target organ. In the present study, we aimed at developing a novel approach based on the use of poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffolds seeded with DMs overexpressing connexin-43 (cx43), a gap junction protein that promotes inter-cell connectivity. DMs isolated from ovine diaphragm biopsies were characterized by immunohistochemistry and ability to differentiate into myotubes (MTs) and transduced with a lentiviral vector encoding cx43. After confirming cx43 expression (RT-qPCR and Western blot) and its effect on inter-cell connectivity (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching), DMs were grown on fiber-aligned or random PLLA scaffolds. DMs were successfully isolated and characterized. Cx43 mRNA and protein were overexpressed and favored inter-cell connectivity. Alignment of the scaffold fibers not only aligned but also elongated the cells, increasing the contact surface between them. This novel approach is feasible and combines the advantages of bioresorbable scaffolds as delivery method and a cell type that on account of its features may be suitable for cardiac regeneration. Future studies on animal models of myocardial infarction are needed to establish its usefulness on scar reduction and cardiac function.
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Westacott MJ, Farnsworth NL, St Clair JR, Poffenberger G, Heintz A, Ludin NW, Hart NJ, Powers AC, Benninger RKP. Age-Dependent Decline in the Coordinated [Ca 2+] and Insulin Secretory Dynamics in Human Pancreatic Islets. Diabetes 2017; 66:2436-2445. [PMID: 28588099 PMCID: PMC5566297 DOI: 10.2337/db17-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes, resulting from reduced insulin sensitivity and secretion. Reduced insulin secretion can result from reduced proliferative capacity and reduced islet function. Mechanisms underlying altered β-cell function in aging are poorly understood in mouse and human islets, and the impact of aging on intraislet communication has not been characterized. Here, we examine how β-cell [Ca2+] and electrical communication are impacted during aging in mouse and human islets. Islets from human donors and from mice were studied using [Ca2+] imaging, static and perifusion insulin secretion assays, and gap junction permeability measurements. In human islets, [Ca2+] dynamics were coordinated within distinct subregions of the islet, invariant with islet size. There was a marked decline in the coordination of [Ca2+] dynamics, gap junction coupling, and insulin secretion dynamics with age. These age-dependent declines were reversed by pharmacological gap junction activation. These results show that human islet function declines with aging, which can reduce insulin action and may contribute to increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Westacott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nikki L Farnsworth
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Joshua R St Clair
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Greg Poffenberger
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - Audrey Heintz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nurin W Ludin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nathaniel J Hart
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Alvin C Powers
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
- VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
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37
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Notary AM, Westacott MJ, Hraha TH, Pozzoli M, Benninger RKP. Decreases in Gap Junction Coupling Recovers Ca2+ and Insulin Secretion in Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus, Dependent on Beta Cell Heterogeneity and Noise. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005116. [PMID: 27681078 PMCID: PMC5040430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is caused by dysfunction to β-cells in the islets of Langerhans, disrupting insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Gap junction-mediated electrical coupling between β-cells in the islet plays a major role in coordinating a pulsatile secretory response at elevated glucose and suppressing insulin secretion at basal glucose. Previously, we demonstrated that a critical number of inexcitable cells can rapidly suppress the overall islet response, as a result of gap junction coupling. This was demonstrated in a murine model of Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (NDM) involving expression of ATP-insensitive KATP channels, and by a multi-cellular computational model of islet electrical activity. Here we examined the mechanisms by which gap junction coupling contributes to islet dysfunction in NDM. We first verified the computational model against [Ca2+] and insulin secretion measurements in islets expressing ATP-insensitive KATP channels under different levels of gap junction coupling. We then applied this model to predict how different KATP channel mutations found in NDM suppress [Ca2+], and the role of gap junction coupling in this suppression. We further extended the model to account for stochastic noise and insulin secretion dynamics. We found experimentally and in the islet model that reductions in gap junction coupling allow progressively greater glucose-stimulated [Ca2+] and insulin secretion following expression of ATP-insensitive KATP channels. The model demonstrated good correspondence between suppression of [Ca2+] and clinical presentation of different NDM mutations. Significant recoveries in [Ca2+] and insulin secretion were predicted for many mutations upon reductions in gap junction coupling, where stochastic noise played a significant role in the recoveries. These findings provide new understanding how the islet functions as a multicellular system and for the role of gap junction channels in exacerbating the effects of decreased cellular excitability. They further suggest novel therapeutic options for NDM and other monogenic forms of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease reaching a global epidemic, which results from dysfunction to the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and their ability to secrete the hormone insulin to regulate glucose homeostasis. Islets are multicellular structures that show extensive coupling between heterogeneous cellular units; and central to the causes of diabetes is a dysfunction to these cellular units and their interactions. Understanding the inter-relationship between structure and function is challenging in biological systems, but is crucial to the cause of disease and discovering therapeutic targets. With the goal of further characterizing the islet of Langerhans and its excitable behavior, we examined the role of important channels in the islet where dysfunction is linked to or causes diabetes. Advances in our ability to computationally model perturbations in physiological systems has allowed for the testing of hypothesis quickly, in systems that are not experimentally accessible. Using an experimentally validated model and modeling human mutations, we discover that monogenic forms of diabetes may be remedied by a reduction in electrical coupling between cells; either alone or in conjunction with pharmacological intervention. Knowledge of biological systems in general is also helped by these findings, in that small changes to cellular elements may lead to major disruptions in the overall system. This may then be overcome by allowing the system components to function independently in the presence of dysfunction to individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleena M. Notary
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Westacott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Thomas H. Hraha
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Marina Pozzoli
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Richard K. P. Benninger
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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38
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Johnston NR, Mitchell RK, Haythorne E, Pessoa MP, Semplici F, Ferrer J, Piemonti L, Marchetti P, Bugliani M, Bosco D, Berishvili E, Duncanson P, Watkinson M, Broichhagen J, Trauner D, Rutter GA, Hodson DJ. Beta Cell Hubs Dictate Pancreatic Islet Responses to Glucose. Cell Metab 2016; 24:389-401. [PMID: 27452146 PMCID: PMC5031557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 314] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The arrangement of β cells within islets of Langerhans is critical for insulin release through the generation of rhythmic activity. A privileged role for individual β cells in orchestrating these responses has long been suspected, but not directly demonstrated. We show here that the β cell population in situ is operationally heterogeneous. Mapping of islet functional architecture revealed the presence of hub cells with pacemaker properties, which remain stable over recording periods of 2 to 3 hr. Using a dual optogenetic/photopharmacological strategy, silencing of hubs abolished coordinated islet responses to glucose, whereas specific stimulation restored communication patterns. Hubs were metabolically adapted and targeted by both pro-inflammatory and glucolipotoxic insults to induce widespread β cell dysfunction. Thus, the islet is wired by hubs, whose failure may contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie R Johnston
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ryan K Mitchell
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Elizabeth Haythorne
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Maria Paiva Pessoa
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francesca Semplici
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jorge Ferrer
- Beta Cell Genome Regulation Lab, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Lorenzo Piemonti
- Diabetes Research Institute (HSR-DRI), San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Piero Marchetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Islet Cell Laboratory, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Bugliani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Islet Cell Laboratory, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Bosco
- Cell Isolation and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ekaterine Berishvili
- Cell Isolation and Transplantation Center, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Philip Duncanson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Michael Watkinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Johannes Broichhagen
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Dirk Trauner
- Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Munich Center for Integrated Protein Science, Butenandtstrasse 5-13, 81377 München, Germany
| | - Guy A Rutter
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - David J Hodson
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK; Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR) and Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK.
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Farnsworth NL, Walter RL, Hemmati A, Westacott MJ, Benninger RKP. Low Level Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Decrease Connexin36 Gap Junction Coupling in Mouse and Human Islets through Nitric Oxide-mediated Protein Kinase Cδ. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:3184-96. [PMID: 26668311 PMCID: PMC4751367 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.679506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the decline in islet function during the development of diabetes. Cytokines can disrupt insulin secretion and calcium dynamics; however, the mechanisms underlying this are poorly understood. Connexin36 gap junctions coordinate glucose-induced calcium oscillations and pulsatile insulin secretion across the islet. Loss of gap junction coupling disrupts these dynamics, similar to that observed during the development of diabetes. This study investigates the mechanisms by which pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate gap junction coupling. Specifically, as cytokine-induced NO can activate PKCδ, we aimed to understand the role of PKCδ in modulating cytokine-induced changes in gap junction coupling. Isolated mouse and human islets were treated with varying levels of a cytokine mixture containing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ. Islet dysfunction was measured by insulin secretion, calcium dynamics, and gap junction coupling. Modulators of PKCδ and NO were applied to determine their respective roles in modulating gap junction coupling. High levels of cytokines caused cell death and decreased insulin secretion. Low levels of cytokine treatment disrupted calcium dynamics and decreased gap junction coupling, in the absence of disruptions to insulin secretion. Decreases in gap junction coupling were dependent on NO-regulated PKCδ, and altered membrane organization of connexin36. This study defines several mechanisms underlying the disruption to gap junction coupling under conditions associated with the development of diabetes. These mechanisms will allow for greater understanding of islet dysfunction and suggest ways to ameliorate this dysfunction during the development of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Farnsworth
- From the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Rachelle L Walter
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Alireza Hemmati
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Matthew J Westacott
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- From the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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40
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Abstract
The pancreas produces enzymes with a digestive function and hormones with a metabolic function, which are produced by distinct cell types of acini and islets, respectively. Within these units, secretory cells coordinate their functioning by exchanging information via signals that flow in the intercellular spaces and are generated either at distance (several neural and hormonal inputs) or nearby the pancreatic cells themselves (inputs mediated by membrane ionic-specific channels and by ionic- and metabolite-permeant pannexin channels and connexin "hemichannels"). Pancreatic secretory cells further interact via the extracellular matrix of the pancreas (inputs mediated by integrins) and directly with neighboring cells, by mechanisms that do not require extracellular mediators (inputs mediated by gap and tight junction channels). Here, we review the expression and function of the connexins and pannexins that are expressed by the main secretory cells of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells. Available data show that the patterns of expression of these proteins differ in acini and islets, supporting distinct functions in the physiological secretion of pancreatic enzymes and hormones. Circumstantial evidence further suggests that alterations in the signaling provided by these proteins are involved in pancreatic diseases.
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41
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Corrigenda. J Physiol 2015; 593:3223. [DOI: 10.1113/jp270942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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42
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Rutter GA, Hodson DJ. Beta cell connectivity in pancreatic islets: a type 2 diabetes target? Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:453-467. [PMID: 25323131 PMCID: PMC11113448 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1755-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Beta cell connectivity describes the phenomenon whereby the islet context improves insulin secretion by providing a three-dimensional platform for intercellular signaling processes. Thus, the precise flow of information through homotypically interconnected beta cells leads to the large-scale organization of hormone release activities, influencing cell responses to glucose and other secretagogues. Although a phenomenon whose importance has arguably been underappreciated in islet biology until recently, a growing number of studies suggest that such cell-cell communication is a fundamental property of this micro-organ. Hence, connectivity may plausibly be targeted by both environmental and genetic factors in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to perturb normal beta cell function and insulin release. Here, we review the mechanisms that contribute to beta cell connectivity, discuss how these may fail during T2DM, and examine approaches to restore insulin secretion by boosting cell communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy A Rutter
- Section of Cell Biology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - David J Hodson
- Section of Cell Biology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
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