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Acreman S, Ma J, Denwood G, Gao R, Tarasov A, Rorsman P, Zhang Q. The endoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in α-cell intracellular Ca 2+ dynamics and glucose-regulated glucagon secretion in mouse islets. iScience 2024; 27:109665. [PMID: 38646167 PMCID: PMC11033163 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucagon is secreted by pancreatic α-cells to counteract hypoglycaemia. How glucose regulates glucagon secretion remains unclear. Here, using mouse islets, we studied the role of transmembrane and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ on intrinsic α-cell glucagon secretion. Blocking isradipine-sensitive L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ (Cav) channels abolished α-cell electrical activity but had little impact on its cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations or low-glucose-stimulated glucagon secretion. In contrast, depleting ER Ca2+ with cyclopiazonic acid or blocking ER Ca2+-releasing ryanodine receptors abolished α-cell glucose sensitivity and low-glucose-stimulated glucagon secretion. ER Ca2+ mobilization in α-cells is regulated by intracellular ATP and likely to be coupled to Ca2+ influx through P/Q-type Cav channels. ω-Agatoxin IVA blocked α-cell ER Ca2+ release and cell exocytosis, but had no additive effect on glucagon secretion when combined with ryanodine. We conclude that glucose regulates glucagon secretion through the control of ER Ca2+ mobilization, a mechanism that can be independent of α-cell electrical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Acreman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Metabolic Research Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jinfang Ma
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Geoffrey Denwood
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Rui Gao
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Andrei Tarasov
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Metabolic Research Unit, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 430, S-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Quan Zhang
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, CIBB - Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Armour SL, Stanley JE, Cantley J, Dean ED, Knudsen JG. Metabolic regulation of glucagon secretion. J Endocrinol 2023; 259:e230081. [PMID: 37523232 PMCID: PMC10681275 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of glucagon 100 years ago, the hormone and the pancreatic islet alpha cells that produce it have remained enigmatic relative to insulin-producing beta cells. Canonically, alpha cells have been described in the context of glucagon's role in glucose metabolism in liver, with glucose as the primary nutrient signal regulating alpha cell function. However, current data reveal a more holistic model of metabolic signalling, involving glucagon-regulated metabolism of multiple nutrients by the liver and other tissues, including amino acids and lipids, providing reciprocal feedback to regulate glucagon secretion and even alpha cell mass. Here we describe how various nutrients are sensed, transported and metabolised in alpha cells, providing an integrative model for the metabolic regulation of glucagon secretion and action. Importantly, we discuss where these nutrient-sensing pathways intersect to regulate alpha cell function and highlight key areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Armour
- Section for cell biology and physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK
| | - Jade E. Stanley
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA
| | - James Cantley
- Division of Cellular and systems medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, UK
| | - E. Danielle Dean
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, USA
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, & Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center school of medicine, USA
| | - Jakob G Knudsen
- Section for cell biology and physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK
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3
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Knuth ER, Foster HR, Jin E, Merrins MJ. Leucine suppresses glucagon secretion from pancreatic islets by directly modulating α-cell cAMP. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.31.551113. [PMID: 37577685 PMCID: PMC10418066 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.31.551113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Objective Pancreatic islets are nutrient sensors that regulate organismal blood glucose homeostasis. Glucagon release from the pancreatic α-cell is important under fasted, fed, and hypoglycemic conditions, yet metabolic regulation of α-cells remains poorly understood. Here, we identified a previously unexplored role for physiological levels of leucine, which is classically regarded as a β-cell fuel, in the intrinsic regulation of α-cell glucagon release. Methods GcgCreERT:CAMPER and GcgCreERT:GCaMP6s mice were generated to perform dynamic, high-throughput functional measurements of α-cell cAMP and Ca2+ within the intact islet. Islet perifusion assays were used for simultaneous, time-resolved measurements of glucagon and insulin release from mouse and human islets. The effects of leucine were compared with glucose and the mitochondrial fuels 2-aminobicyclo(2,2,1)heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH, non-metabolized leucine analog that activates glutamate dehydrogenase), α-ketoisocaproate (KIC, leucine metabolite), and methyl-succinate (complex II fuel). CYN154806 (Sstr2 antagonist), diazoxide (KATP activator, which prevents Ca2+-dependent exocytosis from α, β, and δ-cells), and dispersed α-cells were used to inhibit islet paracrine signaling and identify α-cell intrinsic effects. Results Mimicking the effect of glucose, leucine strongly suppressed amino acid-stimulated glucagon secretion. Mechanistically, leucine dose-dependently reduced α-cell cAMP at physiological concentrations, with an IC50 of 57, 440, and 1162 μM at 2, 6, and 10 mM glucose, without affecting α-cell Ca2+. Leucine also reduced α-cell cAMP in islets treated with Sstr2 antagonist or diazoxide, as well as dispersed α-cells, indicating an α-cell intrinsic effect. The effect of leucine was matched by KIC and the glutamate dehydrogenase activator BCH, but not methyl-succinate, indicating a dependence on mitochondrial anaplerosis. Glucose, which stimulates anaplerosis via pyruvate carboxylase, had the same suppressive effect on α-cell cAMP but with lower potency. Similarly to mouse islets, leucine suppressed glucagon secretion from human islets under hypoglycemic conditions. Conclusions These findings highlight an important role for physiological levels of leucine in the metabolic regulation of α-cell cAMP and glucagon secretion. Leucine functions primarily through an α-cell intrinsic effect that is dependent on glutamate dehydrogenase, in addition to the well-established α-cell regulation by β/δ-cell paracrine signaling. Our results suggest that mitochondrial anaplerosis-cataplerosis facilitates the glucagonostatic effect of both leucine and glucose, which cooperatively suppress α-cell tone by reducing cAMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Knuth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Hannah R. Foster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Erli Jin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Matthew J. Merrins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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4
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Hamilton A, Eliasson L, Knudsen JG. Amino acids and the changing face of the α-cell. Peptides 2023:171039. [PMID: 37295651 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon has long been defined by its glucogenic action and as a result α-cells have been characterised based largely on their interaction with glucose. Recent findings have challenged this preconception, bringing to the fore the significant role glucagon plays in amino acid breakdown and underlining the importance of amino acids in glucagon secretion. The challenge that remains is defining the mechanism that underlie these effects - understanding which amino acids are most important, how they act on the α-cell and how their actions integrate with other fuels such as glucose and fatty acids. This review will describe the current relationship between amino acids and glucagon and how we can use this knowledge to redefine the α-cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Hamilton
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Islet Cell Exocytosis, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Lena Eliasson
- Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Islet Cell Exocytosis, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Jakob G Knudsen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Ng XW, Chung YH, Asadi F, Kong C, Ustione A, Piston DW. RhoA as a Signaling Hub Controlling Glucagon Secretion From Pancreatic α-Cells. Diabetes 2022; 71:2384-2394. [PMID: 35904939 PMCID: PMC9630081 DOI: 10.2337/db21-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon hypersecretion from pancreatic islet α-cells exacerbates hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes. Still, the underlying mechanistic pathways that regulate glucagon secretion remain controversial. Among the three complementary main mechanisms (intrinsic, paracrine, and juxtacrine) proposed to regulate glucagon release from α-cells, juxtacrine interactions are the least studied. It is known that tonic stimulation of α-cell EphA receptors by ephrin-A ligands (EphA forward signaling) inhibits glucagon secretion in mouse and human islets and restores glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion in sorted mouse α-cells, and these effects correlate with increased F-actin density. Here, we elucidate the downstream target of EphA signaling in α-cells. We demonstrate that RhoA, a Rho family GTPase, plays a key role in this pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of RhoA disrupts glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion in islets and decreases cortical F-actin density in dispersed α-cells and α-cells in intact islets. Quantitative FRET biosensor imaging shows that increased RhoA activity follows directly from EphA stimulation. We show that in addition to modulating F-actin density, EphA forward signaling and RhoA activity affect α-cell Ca2+ activity in a novel mechanistic pathway. Finally, we show that stimulating EphA forward signaling restores glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion from human T1D donor islets.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - David W. Piston
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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6
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Honzawa N, Fujimoto K, Kobayashi M, Kohno D, Kikuchi O, Yokota-Hashimoto H, Wada E, Ikeuchi Y, Tabei Y, Dorn GW, Utsunomiya K, Nishimura R, Kitamura T. Protein Kinase C (Pkc)-δ Mediates Arginine-Induced Glucagon Secretion in Pancreatic α-Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4003. [PMID: 35409362 PMCID: PMC8999522 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23074003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes involves insulin and glucagon. Protein kinase C (Pkc)-δ, a serine-threonine kinase, is ubiquitously expressed and involved in regulating cell death and proliferation. However, the role of Pkcδ in regulating glucagon secretion in pancreatic α-cells remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the physiological role of Pkcδ in glucagon secretion from pancreatic α-cells. Glucagon secretions were investigated in Pkcδ-knockdown InR1G9 cells and pancreatic α-cell-specific Pkcδ-knockout (αPkcδKO) mice. Knockdown of Pkcδ in the glucagon-secreting cell line InR1G9 cells reduced glucagon secretion. The basic amino acid arginine enhances glucagon secretion via voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC). Furthermore, we showed that arginine increased Pkcδ phosphorylation at Thr505, which is critical for Pkcδ activation. Interestingly, the knockdown of Pkcδ in InR1G9 cells reduced arginine-induced glucagon secretion. Moreover, arginine-induced glucagon secretions were decreased in αPkcδKO mice and islets from αPkcδKO mice. Pkcδ is essential for arginine-induced glucagon secretion in pancreatic α-cells. Therefore, this study may contribute to the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of amino acid-induced glucagon secretion and the development of novel antidiabetic drugs targeting Pkcδ and glucagon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norikiyo Honzawa
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan; (N.H.); (K.U.); (R.N.)
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Kei Fujimoto
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University Daisan Hospital, 4-11-1, Izumihoncho, Komae-shi, Tokyo 201-8601, Japan
| | - Masaki Kobayashi
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Daisuke Kohno
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Osamu Kikuchi
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Hiromi Yokota-Hashimoto
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Eri Wada
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yuichi Ikeuchi
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Yoko Tabei
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
| | - Gerald W. Dorn
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA;
| | - Kazunori Utsunomiya
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan; (N.H.); (K.U.); (R.N.)
| | - Rimei Nishimura
- Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8 Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan; (N.H.); (K.U.); (R.N.)
| | - Tadahiro Kitamura
- Metabolic Signal Research Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, 3-39-15 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan; (M.K.); (D.K.); (O.K.); (H.Y.-H.); (E.W.); (Y.I.); (Y.T.)
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Singh B, Khattab F, Gilon P. Glucose inhibits glucagon secretion by decreasing [Ca2+]c and by reducing the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis via somatostatin-dependent and independent mechanisms. Mol Metab 2022; 61:101495. [PMID: 35421610 PMCID: PMC9065434 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Methods Results Conclusions Glucose modulates [Ca2+]c in α-cells within islets but not in dispersed α-cells. In α-cells within islets, it decreases [Ca2+]c independently of their KATP channels. It decreases α-cell [Ca2+]c partly via somatostatin. All glucose-induced [Ca2+]c changes trigger parallel changes in glucagon release. Glucose also decreases the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis (attenuating pathway).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Singh
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Firas Khattab
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium.
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8
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Liebman C, Loya S, Lawrence M, Bashoo N, Cho M. Stimulatory responses in α- and β-cells by near-infrared (810 nm) photobiomodulation. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2022; 15:e202100257. [PMID: 34837336 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202100257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Significant efforts have been committed to better understand and regulate insulin secretion as it has direct implications on diabetes. The first phase of biphasic insulin secretion in response to glucose lasts about 10 minutes, followed by a more sustained release persisting several hours. Attenuated insulin release in the first phase is typically associated with abnormal β-cells. While near-infrared photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrates potential for multiple therapeutic applications, photostimulatory effects on α- and β-cells remain to be further elucidated. Herein, we demonstrate that 810 nm PBM exposure at fluence of 9 J/cm2 can elevate the intracellular reactive oxygen species within 15 minutes following photostimulation. In addition, calcium spiking showed an approximately 3-fold increase in both ATC1 (α-cells) and BTC6 (β-cells) and correlates with hormone secretion in response to PBM stimulation. Our findings could lay a foundation for the development of non-biologic therapeutics that can augment islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Liebman
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | - Sheccid Loya
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Michael Cho
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, USA
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9
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Pretorius M, Huang C. Beta-Cell Adaptation to Pregnancy - Role of Calcium Dynamics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:853876. [PMID: 35399944 PMCID: PMC8990731 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.853876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, the mother develops insulin resistance to shunt nutrients to the growing fetus. As a result, the maternal islets of Langerhans undergo several changes to increase insulin secretion in order to maintain glucose homeostasis and prevent the development of gestational diabetes. These changes include an increase in β-cell proliferation and β-cell mass, upregulation of insulin synthesis and insulin content, enhanced cell-to-cell communication, and a lowering of the glucose threshold for insulin secretion, all of which resulting in an increase in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Emerging data suggests that a change in intracellular calcium dynamics occurs in the β-cell during pregnancy as part of the adaptive process. Influx of calcium into β-cells is crucial in the regulation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Calcium fluxes into and out of the cytosol, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria are also important in controlling β-cell function and survival. Here, we review calcium dynamics in islets in response to pregnancy-induced changes in hormones and signaling molecules, and how these changes may enhance insulin secretion to stave off gestational diabetes.
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10
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Asadi F, Dhanvantari S. Pathways of Glucagon Secretion and Trafficking in the Pancreatic Alpha Cell: Novel Pathways, Proteins, and Targets for Hyperglucagonemia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:726368. [PMID: 34659118 PMCID: PMC8511682 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.726368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with diabetes mellitus exhibit hyperglucagonemia, or excess glucagon secretion, which may be the underlying cause of the hyperglycemia of diabetes. Defective alpha cell secretory responses to glucose and paracrine effectors in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes may drive the development of hyperglucagonemia. Therefore, uncovering the mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion from the pancreatic alpha cell is critical for developing improved treatments for diabetes. In this review, we focus on aspects of alpha cell biology for possible mechanisms for alpha cell dysfunction in diabetes: proglucagon processing, intrinsic and paracrine control of glucagon secretion, secretory granule dynamics, and alterations in intracellular trafficking. We explore possible clues gleaned from these studies in how inhibition of glucagon secretion can be targeted as a treatment for diabetes mellitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Asadi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Program in Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Savita Dhanvantari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Program in Metabolism and Diabetes, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Imaging Research Program, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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11
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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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12
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Singh B, Khattab F, Chae H, Desmet L, Herrera PL, Gilon P. K ATP channel blockers control glucagon secretion by distinct mechanisms: A direct stimulation of α-cells involving a [Ca 2+] c rise and an indirect inhibition mediated by somatostatin. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101268. [PMID: 34118477 PMCID: PMC8274344 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Glucagon is secreted by pancreatic α-cells in response to hypoglycemia and its hyperglycemic effect helps to restore normal blood glucose. Insulin and somatostatin (SST) secretions from β- and δ-cells, respectively, are stimulated by glucose by mechanisms involving an inhibition of their ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels, leading to an increase in [Ca2+]c that triggers exocytosis. Drugs that close KATP channels, such as sulfonylureas, are used to stimulate insulin release in type 2 diabetic patients. α-cells also express KATP channels. However, the mechanisms by which sulfonylureas control glucagon secretion are still largely debated and were addressed in the present study. In particular, we studied the effects of KATP channel blockers on α-cell [Ca2+]c and glucagon secretion in the presence of a low (1 mM) or a high (15 mM) glucose concentration and evaluated the role of SST in these effects. Methods Using a transgenic mouse model expressing the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent protein, GCaMP6f, specifically in α-cells, we measured [Ca2+]c in α-cells either dispersed or within whole islets (by confocal microscopy). By measuring [Ca2+]c in α-cells within islets and glucagon secretion using the same perifusion protocols, we tested whether glucagon secretion correlated with changes in [Ca2+]c in response to sulfonylureas. We studied the role of SST in the effects of sulfonylureas using multiple approaches including genetic ablation of SST, or application of SST-14 and SST receptor antagonists. Results Application of the sulfonylureas, tolbutamide, or gliclazide, to a medium containing 1 mM or 15 mM glucose increased [Ca2+]c in α-cells by a direct effect as in β-cells. At low glucose, sulfonylureas inhibited glucagon secretion of islets despite the rise in α-cell [Ca2+]c that they triggered. This glucagonostatic effect was indirect and attributed to SST because, in the islets of SST-knockout mice, sulfonylureas induced a stimulation of glucagon secretion which correlated with an increase in α-cell [Ca2+]c. Experiments with exogenous SST-14 and SST receptor antagonists indicated that the glucagonostatic effect of sulfonylureas mainly resulted from an inhibition of the efficacy of cytosolic Ca2+ on exocytosis. Although SST-14 was also able to inhibit glucagon secretion by decreasing α-cell [Ca2+]c, no decrease in [Ca2+]c occurred during sulfonylurea application because it was largely counterbalanced by the direct stimulatory effect of these drugs on α-cell [Ca2+]c. At high glucose, i.e., in conditions where glucagon release was already low, sulfonylureas stimulated glucagon secretion because their direct stimulatory effect on α-cells exceeded the indirect effect by SST. Our results also indicated that, unexpectedly, SST-14 poorly decreased the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis in β-cells. Conclusions Sulfonylureas exert two opposite actions on α-cells: a direct stimulation as in β-cells and an indirect inhibition by SST. This suggests that any alteration of SST paracrine influence, as described in diabetes, will modify the effect of sulfonylureas on glucagon release. In addition, we suggest that δ-cells inhibit α-cells more efficiently than β-cells. KATP channel blockers control glucagon secretion by two mechanisms. The first one is the direct stimulation of α-cell by a [Ca2+]c rise, as in β-cells. The second one is an indirect inhibition mediated by δ-cells releasing somatostatin. Somatostatin mainly reduces the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis in α-cells. Somatostatin more potently inhibits glucagon than insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Singh
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Firas Khattab
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heeyoung Chae
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lieven Desmet
- Université Catholique de Louvain, SMCS, Louvain Institute of Data Analysis and Modeling in economics and statistics, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Pedro L Herrera
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium.
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13
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Role of cAMP in Double Switch of Glucagon Secretion. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040896. [PMID: 33919776 PMCID: PMC8070687 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in modulating glucagon secretion in pancreatic alpha cells. However, the downstream effects of glucose metabolism and the activated signaling pathways influencing glucagon granule exocytosis are still obscure. We developed a computational alpha cell model, implementing metabolic pathways of glucose and free fatty acids (FFA) catabolism and an intrinsically activated cAMP signaling pathway. According to the model predictions, increased catabolic activity is able to suppress the cAMP signaling pathway, reducing exocytosis in a Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+ independent manner. The effect is synergistic to the pathway involving ATP-dependent closure of KATP channels and consequent reduction of Ca2+. We analyze the contribution of each pathway to glucagon secretion and show that both play decisive roles, providing a kind of "secure double switch". The cAMP-driven signaling switch plays a dominant role, while the ATP-driven metabolic switch is less favored. The ratio is approximately 60:40, according to the most recent experimental evidence.
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Früh E, Elgert C, Eggert F, Scherneck S, Rustenbeck I. Glucagonotropic and Glucagonostatic Effects of KATP Channel Closure and Potassium Depolarization. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5892293. [PMID: 32790843 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of depolarization in the inverse glucose-dependence of glucagon secretion was investigated by comparing the effects of KATP channel block and of high potassium. The secretion of glucagon and insulin by perifused mouse islets was simultaneously measured. Lowering glucose raised glucagon secretion before it decreased insulin secretion, suggesting an alpha cell-intrinsic signal recognition. Raising glucose affected glucagon and insulin secretion at the same time. However, depolarization by tolbutamide, gliclazide, or 15 mM KCl increased insulin secretion before the glucagon secretion receded. In contrast to the robust depolarizing effect of arginine and KCl (15 and 40 mM) on single alpha cells, tolbutamide was of variable efficacy. Only when applied before other depolarizing agents had tolbutamide a consistent depolarizing effect and regularly increased the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. When tested on inside-out patches tolbutamide was as effective on alpha cells as on beta cells. In the presence of 1 µM clonidine, to separate insulinotropic from glucagonotropic effects, both 500 µM tolbutamide and 30 µM gliclazide increased glucagon secretion significantly, but transiently. The additional presence of 15 or 40 mM KCl in contrast led to a marked and lasting increase of the glucagon secretion. The glucagon secretion by SUR1 knockout islets was not increased by tolbutamide, whereas 40 mM KCl was of unchanged efficiency. In conclusion a strong and sustained depolarization is compatible with a marked and lasting glucagon secretion. KATP channel closure in alpha cells is less readily achieved than in beta cells, which may explain the moderate and transient glucagonotropic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike Früh
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christin Elgert
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frank Eggert
- Institute of Psychology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stephan Scherneck
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Ingo Rustenbeck
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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15
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González-Vélez V, Piron A, Dupont G. Calcium Oscillations in Pancreatic α-cells Rely on Noise and ATP-Driven Changes in Membrane Electrical Activity. Front Physiol 2020; 11:602844. [PMID: 33281631 PMCID: PMC7705205 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.602844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In pancreatic α-cells, intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) acts as a trigger for secretion of glucagon, a hormone that plays a key role in blood glucose homeostasis. Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics in these cells are governed by the electrical activity of voltage-gated ion channels, among which ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels play a crucial role. In the majority of α-cells, the global Ca2+ response to lowering external glucose occurs in the form of oscillations that are much slower than electrical activity. These Ca2+ oscillations are highly variable as far as inter-spike intervals, shapes and amplitudes are concerned. Such observations suggest that Ca2+ dynamics in α-cells are much influenced by noise. Actually, each Ca2+ increase corresponds to multiple cycles of opening/closing of voltage gated Ca2+ channels that abruptly become silent, before the occurrence of another burst of activity a few tens of seconds later. The mechanism responsible for this intermittent activity is currently unknown. In this work, we used computational modeling to investigate the mechanism of cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in α-cells. Given the limited population of KATP channels in this cell type, we hypothesized that the stochastic activity of these channels could play a key role in the sporadic character of the action potentials. To test this assumption, we extended a previously proposed model of the α-cells electrical activity (Diderichsen and Göpel, 2006) to take Ca2+ dynamics into account. Including molecular noise on the basis of a Langevin type description as well as realistic dynamics of opening and closing of KATP channels, we found that stochasticity at the level of the activity of this channel is on its own not able to produce Ca2+ oscillations with a time scale of a few tens of seconds. However, when taking into account the intimate relation between Ca2+ and ATP changes together with the intrinsic noise at the level of the KATP channels, simulations displayed Ca2+ oscillations that are compatible with experimental observations. We analyzed the detailed mechanism and used computational simulations to identify the factors that can affect Ca2+ oscillations in α-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia González-Vélez
- Department Basic Sciences, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Azcapotzalco, CDMX, Mèxico, Mexico
| | - Anthony Piron
- ULB Center for Diabetes Research, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium.,Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics (IB2), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geneviève Dupont
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics (IB2), Brussels, Belgium.,Unit of Theoretical Chronobiology, Faculté des Sciences, Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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16
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Sandoval D. Updating the Role of α-Cell Preproglucagon Products on GLP-1 Receptor-Mediated Insulin Secretion. Diabetes 2020; 69:2238-2245. [PMID: 33082272 PMCID: PMC7576561 DOI: 10.2337/dbi19-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While the field of islet biology has historically focused its attention on understanding β-cell function and the mechanisms by which these cells become dysfunctional with diabetes, there has been a scientific shift toward greater understanding of other endocrine cells of the islet and their paracrine role in regulating the β-cell. In recent years, many questions and new data have come forward regarding the paracrine role of the α-cell and specifically preproglucagon peptides in regulating insulin secretion. The role of intestinally secreted glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in regulation of insulin secretion has been questioned, and a physiological role of pancreatic GLP-1 in regulation of insulin secretion has been proposed. In addition, in the last 2 years, a series of studies demonstrated a physiological role for glucagon, acting via the GLP-1 receptor, in paracrine regulation of insulin secretion. Altogether, this work challenges the textbook physiology of both GLP-1 and glucagon and presents a critical paradigm shift for the field. This article addresses these new findings surrounding α-cell preproglucagon products, with a particular focus on GLP-1, in the context of their roles in insulin secretion and consequently glucose metabolism.
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17
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Zhang Q, Dou H, Rorsman P. 'Resistance is futile?' - paradoxical inhibitory effects of K ATP channel closure in glucagon-secreting α-cells. J Physiol 2020; 598:4765-4780. [PMID: 32716554 PMCID: PMC7689873 DOI: 10.1113/jp279775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
By secreting insulin and glucagon, the β- and α-cells of the pancreatic islets play a central role in the regulation of systemic metabolism. Both cells are equipped with ATP-regulated potassium (KATP ) channels that are regulated by the intracellular ATP/ADP ratio. In β-cells, KATP channels are active at low (non-insulin-releasing) glucose concentrations. An increase in glucose leads to KATP channel closure, membrane depolarization and electrical activity that culminates in elevation of [Ca2+ ]i and initiation of exocytosis of the insulin-containing secretory granules. The α-cells are also equipped with KATP channels but they are under strong tonic inhibition at low glucose, explaining why α-cells are electrically active under hypoglycaemic conditions and generate large Na+ - and Ca2+ -dependent action potentials. Closure of residual KATP channel activity leads to membrane depolarization and an increase in action potential firing but this stimulation of electrical activity is associated with inhibition rather than acceleration of glucagon secretion. This paradox arises because membrane depolarization reduces the amplitude of the action potentials by voltage-dependent inactivation of the Na+ channels involved in action potential generation. Exocytosis in α-cells is tightly linked to the opening of voltage-gated P/Q-type Ca2+ channels, the activation of which is steeply voltage-dependent. Accordingly, the inhibitory effect of the reduced action potential amplitude exceeds the stimulatory effect resulting from the increased action potential frequency. These observations highlight a previously unrecognised role of the action potential amplitude as a key regulator of pancreatic islet hormone secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Haiqiang Dou
- Metabolic Physiology Unit, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, PO Box 430, Göteborg, SE-405 30, Sweden
| | - Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, OX3 7LE, UK.,Metabolic Physiology Unit, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Göteborg, PO Box 430, Göteborg, SE-405 30, Sweden
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18
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Singh T, Suarez Castellanos I, Bhowmick DC, Cohen J, Jeremic A, Zderic V. Therapeutic Ultrasound-Induced Insulin Release in Vivo. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2020; 46:639-648. [PMID: 31837888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2019.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The tolerability and efficacy of low-frequency, low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound-induced insulin release was investigated in a pre-clinical in vivo murine model. The treatment groups received a single 5-min continuous sonication at 1 MHz and 1.0 W/cm2. Insulin and glucagon levels in the serum were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pancreas was excised and sectioned for histologic analysis. In terminal studies, we observed a moderate (∼50 pM) but significant increase in blood insulin concentration in vivo immediately after sonication compared with a decrease of approximately 60 pM in sham animals (n < 6, p < 0.005). No difference was observed in the change in glucose or glucagon concentrations between groups. Comparisons of hematoxylin and eosin-stained terminal and survival pancreatic tissue revealed no visible differences or evidence of damage. This study is the first step in assessing the translational potential of therapeutic ultrasound as a treatment for early stages of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ivan Suarez Castellanos
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA; INSERM, Laboratory of Therapeutic Applications of Ultrasound (LabTAU), Lyon, France
| | | | - Joshua Cohen
- Medical Faculty Associates, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aleksandar Jeremic
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vesna Zderic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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19
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Gilon P. The Role of α-Cells in Islet Function and Glucose Homeostasis in Health and Type 2 Diabetes. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:1367-1394. [PMID: 31954131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic α-cells are the major source of glucagon, a hormone that counteracts the hypoglycemic action of insulin and strongly contributes to the correction of acute hypoglycemia. The mechanisms by which glucose controls glucagon secretion are hotly debated, and it is still unclear to what extent this control results from a direct action of glucose on α-cells or is indirectly mediated by β- and/or δ-cells. Besides its hyperglycemic action, glucagon has many other effects, in particular on lipid and amino acid metabolism. Counterintuitively, glucagon seems also required for an optimal insulin secretion in response to glucose by acting on its cognate receptor and, even more importantly, on GLP-1 receptors. Patients with diabetes mellitus display two main alterations of glucagon secretion: a relative hyperglucagonemia that aggravates hyperglycemia, and an impaired glucagon response to hypoglycemia. Under metabolic stress states, such as diabetes, pancreatic α-cells also secrete GLP-1, a glucose-lowering hormone, whereas the gut can produce glucagon. The contribution of extrapancreatic glucagon to the abnormal glucose homeostasis is unclear. Here, I review the possible mechanisms of control of glucagon secretion and the role of α-cells on islet function in healthy state. I discuss the possible causes of the abnormal glucagonemia in diabetes, with particular emphasis on type 2 diabetes, and I briefly comment the current antidiabetic therapies affecting α-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Gilon
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Pole of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Avenue Hippocrate 55 (B1.55.06), Brussels, B-1200, Belgium.
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20
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Yu Q, Shuai H, Ahooghalandari P, Gylfe E, Tengholm A. Glucose controls glucagon secretion by directly modulating cAMP in alpha cells. Diabetologia 2019; 62:1212-1224. [PMID: 30953108 PMCID: PMC6560012 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-019-4857-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Glucagon is critical for normal glucose homeostasis and aberrant secretion of the hormone aggravates dysregulated glucose control in diabetes. However, the mechanisms by which glucose controls glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the intracellular messenger cAMP in alpha-cell-intrinsic glucose regulation of glucagon release. METHODS Subplasmalemmal cAMP and Ca2+ concentrations were recorded in isolated and islet-located alpha cells using fluorescent reporters and total internal reflection microscopy. Glucagon secretion from mouse islets was measured using ELISA. RESULTS Glucose induced Ca2+-independent alterations of the subplasmalemmal cAMP concentration in alpha cells that correlated with changes in glucagon release. Glucose-lowering-induced stimulation of glucagon secretion thus corresponded to an elevation in cAMP that was independent of paracrine signalling from insulin or somatostatin. Imposed cAMP elevations stimulated glucagon secretion and abolished inhibition by glucose elevation, while protein kinase A inhibition mimicked glucose suppression of glucagon release. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Glucose concentrations in the hypoglycaemic range control glucagon secretion by directly modulating the cAMP concentration in alpha cells independently of paracrine influences. These findings define a novel mechanism for glucose regulation of glucagon release that underlies recovery from hypoglycaemia and may be disturbed in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hongyan Shuai
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Parvin Ahooghalandari
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Gylfe
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Tengholm
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Biomedical Centre, Uppsala University, Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
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21
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Dickerson MT, Dadi PK, Altman MK, Verlage KR, Thorson AS, Jordan KL, Vierra NC, Amarnath G, Jacobson DA. Glucose-mediated inhibition of calcium-activated potassium channels limits α-cell calcium influx and glucagon secretion. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 316:E646-E659. [PMID: 30694690 PMCID: PMC6482666 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00342.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic α-cells exhibit oscillations in cytosolic Ca2+ (Ca2+c), which control pulsatile glucagon (GCG) secretion. However, the mechanisms that modulate α-cell Ca2+c oscillations have not been elucidated. As β-cell Ca2+c oscillations are regulated in part by Ca2+-activated K+ (Kslow) currents, this work investigated the role of Kslow in α-cell Ca2+ handling and GCG secretion. α-Cells displayed Kslow currents that were dependent on Ca2+ influx through L- and P/Q-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) as well as Ca2+ released from endoplasmic reticulum stores. α-Cell Kslow was decreased by small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channel inhibitors apamin and UCL 1684, large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (IbTx), and intermediate-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (IK) channel inhibitor TRAM 34. Moreover, partial inhibition of α-cell Kslow with apamin depolarized membrane potential ( Vm) (3.8 ± 0.7 mV) and reduced action potential (AP) amplitude (10.4 ± 1.9 mV). Although apamin transiently increased Ca2+ influx into α-cells at low glucose (42.9 ± 10.6%), sustained SK (38.5 ± 10.4%) or BK channel inhibition (31.0 ± 11.7%) decreased α-cell Ca2+ influx. Total α-cell Ca2+c was similarly reduced (28.3 ± 11.1%) following prolonged treatment with high glucose, but it was not decreased further by SK or BK channel inhibition. Consistent with reduced α-cell Ca2+c following prolonged Kslow inhibition, apamin decreased GCG secretion from mouse (20.4 ± 4.2%) and human (27.7 ± 13.1%) islets at low glucose. These data demonstrate that Kslow activation provides a hyperpolarizing influence on α-cell Vm that sustains Ca2+ entry during hypoglycemic conditions, presumably by preventing voltage-dependent inactivation of P/Q-type VDCCs. Thus, when α-cell Ca2+c is elevated during secretagogue stimulation, Kslow activation helps to preserve GCG secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Dickerson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Prasanna K Dadi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Molly K Altman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kenneth R Verlage
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
- School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock, Texas
- Department of Urology, Oregon Health and Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Ariel S Thorson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kelli L Jordan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Nicholas C Vierra
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior University of California , Davis, California
| | - Gautami Amarnath
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
- Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany
| | - David A Jacobson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University , Nashville, Tennessee
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Matschinsky FM, Wilson DF. The Central Role of Glucokinase in Glucose Homeostasis: A Perspective 50 Years After Demonstrating the Presence of the Enzyme in Islets of Langerhans. Front Physiol 2019; 10:148. [PMID: 30949058 PMCID: PMC6435959 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
It is hypothesized that glucokinase (GCK) is the glucose sensor not only for regulation of insulin release by pancreatic β-cells, but also for the rest of the cells that contribute to glucose homeostasis in mammals. This includes other cells in endocrine pancreas (α- and δ-cells), adrenal gland, glucose sensitive neurons, entero-endocrine cells, and cells in the anterior pituitary. Glucose transport is by facilitated diffusion and is not rate limiting. Once inside, glucose is phosphorylated to glucose-6-phosphate by GCK in a reaction that is dependent on glucose throughout the physiological range of concentrations, is irreversible, and not product inhibited. High glycerol phosphate shuttle, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and pyruvate carboxylase activities, combined with low pentose-P shunt, lactate dehydrogenase, plasma membrane monocarboxylate transport, and glycogen synthase activities constrain glucose-6-phosphate to being metabolized through glycolysis. Under these conditions, glycolysis produces mostly pyruvate and little lactate. Pyruvate either enters the citric acid cycle through pyruvate dehydrogenase or is carboxylated by pyruvate carboxylase. Reducing equivalents from glycolysis enter oxidative phosphorylation through both the glycerol phosphate shuttle and citric acid cycle. Raising glucose concentration increases intramitochondrial [NADH]/[NAD+] and thereby the energy state ([ATP]/[ADP][Pi]), decreasing [Mg2+ADP] and [AMP]. [Mg2+ADP] acts through control of KATP channel conductance, whereas [AMP] acts through regulation of AMP-dependent protein kinase. Specific roles of different cell types are determined by the diverse molecular mechanisms used to couple energy state to cell specific responses. Having a common glucose sensor couples complementary regulatory mechanisms into a tightly regulated and stable glucose homeostatic network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz M Matschinsky
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David F Wilson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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23
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Lai BK, Chae H, Gómez-Ruiz A, Cheng P, Gallo P, Antoine N, Beauloye C, Jonas JC, Seghers V, Seino S, Gilon P. Somatostatin Is Only Partly Required for the Glucagonostatic Effect of Glucose but Is Necessary for the Glucagonostatic Effect of K ATP Channel Blockers. Diabetes 2018; 67:2239-2253. [PMID: 30115649 DOI: 10.2337/db17-0880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of control of glucagon secretion are largely debated. In particular, the paracrine role of somatostatin (SST) is unclear. We studied its role in the control of glucagon secretion by glucose and KATP channel blockers, using perifused islets and the in situ perfused pancreas. The involvement of SST was evaluated by comparing glucagon release of control tissue or tissue without paracrine influence of SST (pertussis toxin-treated islets, or islets or pancreas from Sst-/- mice). We show that removal of the paracrine influence of SST suppresses the ability of KATP channel blockers or KATP channel ablation to inhibit glucagon release, suggesting that in control islets, the glucagonostatic effect of KATP channel blockers/ablation is fully mediated by SST. By contrast, the glucagonostatic effect of glucose in control islets is mainly independent of SST for low glucose concentrations (0-7 mmol/L) but starts to involve SST for high concentrations of the sugar (15-30 mmol/L). This demonstrates that the glucagonostatic effect of glucose only partially depends on SST. Real-time quantitative PCR and pharmacological experiments indicate that the glucagonostatic effect of SST is mediated by two types of SST receptors, SSTR2 and SSTR3. These results suggest that alterations of the paracrine influence of SST will affect glucagon release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Khanh Lai
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Heeyoung Chae
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana Gómez-Ruiz
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Panpan Cheng
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paola Gallo
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy Antoine
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Jonas
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Victor Seghers
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Susumu Seino
- Division of Molecular and Metabolic Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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24
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Hughes JW, Ustione A, Lavagnino Z, Piston DW. Regulation of islet glucagon secretion: Beyond calcium. Diabetes Obes Metab 2018; 20 Suppl 2:127-136. [PMID: 30230183 PMCID: PMC6148361 DOI: 10.1111/dom.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [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: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The islet of Langerhans plays a key role in glucose homeostasis through regulated secretion of the hormones insulin and glucagon. Islet research has focused on the insulin-secreting β-cells, even though aberrant glucagon secretion from α-cells also contributes to the aetiology of diabetes. Despite its importance, the mechanisms controlling glucagon secretion remain controversial. Proper α-cell function requires the islet milieu, where β- and δ-cells drive and constrain α-cell dynamics. The response of glucagon to glucose is similar between isolated islets and that measured in vivo, so it appears that the glucose dependence requires only islet-intrinsic factors and not input from blood flow or the nervous system. Elevated intracellular free Ca2+ is needed for α-cell exocytosis, but interpreting Ca2+ data is tricky since it is heterogeneous among α-cells at all physiological glucose levels. Total Ca2+ activity in α-cells increases slightly with glucose, so Ca2+ may serve a permissive, rather than regulatory, role in glucagon secretion. On the other hand, cAMP is a more promising candidate for controlling glucagon secretion and is itself driven by paracrine signalling from β- and δ-cells. Another pathway, juxtacrine signalling through the α-cell EphA receptors, stimulated by β-cell ephrin ligands, leads to a tonic inhibition of glucagon secretion. We discuss potential combinations of Ca2+ , cAMP, paracrine and juxtacrine factors in the regulation of glucagon secretion, focusing on recent data in the literature that might unify the field towards a quantitative understanding of α-cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing W. Hughes
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alessandro Ustione
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Zeno Lavagnino
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David W. Piston
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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25
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Vierra NC, Dickerson MT, Jordan KL, Dadi PK, Katdare KA, Altman MK, Milian SC, Jacobson DA. TALK-1 reduces delta-cell endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasmic calcium levels limiting somatostatin secretion. Mol Metab 2018; 9:84-97. [PMID: 29402588 PMCID: PMC5870147 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Single-cell RNA sequencing studies have revealed that the type-2 diabetes associated two-pore domain K+ (K2P) channel TALK-1 is abundantly expressed in somatostatin-secreting δ-cells. However, a physiological role for TALK-1 in δ-cells remains unknown. We previously determined that in β-cells, K+ flux through endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized TALK-1 channels enhances ER Ca2+ leak, modulating Ca2+ handling and insulin secretion. As glucose amplification of islet somatostatin release relies on Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from the δ-cell ER, we investigated whether TALK-1 modulates δ-cell Ca2+ handling and somatostatin secretion. METHODS To define the functions of islet δ-cell TALK-1 channels, we generated control and TALK-1 channel-deficient (TALK-1 KO) mice expressing fluorescent reporters specifically in δ- and α-cells to facilitate cell type identification. Using immunofluorescence, patch clamp electrophysiology, Ca2+ imaging, and hormone secretion assays, we assessed how TALK-1 channel activity impacts δ- and α-cell function. RESULTS TALK-1 channels are expressed in both mouse and human δ-cells, where they modulate glucose-stimulated changes in cytosolic Ca2+ and somatostatin secretion. Measurement of cytosolic Ca2+ levels in response to membrane potential depolarization revealed enhanced CICR in TALK-1 KO δ-cells that could be abolished by depleting ER Ca2+ with sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) inhibitors. Consistent with elevated somatostatin inhibitory tone, we observed significantly reduced glucagon secretion and α-cell Ca2+ oscillations in TALK-1 KO islets, and found that blockade of α-cell somatostatin signaling with a somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) antagonist restored glucagon secretion in TALK-1 KO islets. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that TALK-1 reduces δ-cell cytosolic Ca2+ elevations and somatostatin release by limiting δ-cell CICR, modulating the intraislet paracrine signaling mechanisms that control glucagon secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Vierra
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Matthew T Dickerson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kelli L Jordan
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Prasanna K Dadi
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ketaki A Katdare
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Molly K Altman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Sarah C Milian
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - David A Jacobson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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26
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Goldstein JA, Bastarache LA, Denny JC, Roden DM, Pulley JM, Aronoff DM. Calcium channel blockers as drug repurposing candidates for gestational diabetes: Mining large scale genomic and electronic health records data to repurpose medications. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:44-51. [PMID: 29448118 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
New therapeutic approaches are needed for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but must show safety and efficacy in a historically understudied population. We studied associations between electronic medical record (EMR) phenotypes and genetic variants to uncover drugs currently considered safe in pregnancy that could treat or prevent GDM. We identified 129 systemically active drugs considered safe in pregnancy targeting the proteins produced from 196 genes. We tested for associations between GDM and/or type 2 diabetes (DM2) and 306 SNPs in 130 genes represented on the Illumina Infinium Human Exome Bead Chip (DM2 was included due to shared pathophysiological features with GDM). In parallel, we tested the association between drugs and glucose tolerance during pregnancy as measured by the glucose recorded during a routine 50-g glucose tolerance test (GTT). We found an association between GDM/DM2 and the genes targeted by 11 drug classes. In the EMR analysis, 6 drug classes were associated with changes in GTT. Two classes were identified in both analyses. L-type calcium channel blocking antihypertensives (CCBs), were associated with a 3.18 mg/dL (95% CI -6.18 to -0.18) decrease in glucose during GTT, and serotonin receptor type 3 (5HT-3) antagonist antinausea medications were associated with a 3.54 mg/dL (95% CI 1.86-5.23) increase in glucose during GTT. CCBs were identified as a class of drugs considered safe in pregnancy could have efficacy in treating or preventing GDM. 5HT-3 antagonists may be associated with worse glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery A Goldstein
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States
| | - Lisa A Bastarache
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States
| | - Joshua C Denny
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States
| | - Dan M Roden
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, United States
| | - Jill M Pulley
- Vanderbilt Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States
| | - David M Aronoff
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, United States.
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27
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Tengholm A, Gylfe E. cAMP signalling in insulin and glucagon secretion. Diabetes Obes Metab 2017; 19 Suppl 1:42-53. [PMID: 28466587 DOI: 10.1111/dom.12993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The "second messenger" archetype cAMP is one of the most important cellular signalling molecules with central functions including the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion from the pancreatic β- and α-cells, respectively. cAMP is generally considered as an amplifier of insulin secretion triggered by Ca2+ elevation in the β-cells. Both messengers are also positive modulators of glucagon release from α-cells, but in this case cAMP may be the important regulator and Ca2+ have a more permissive role. The actions of cAMP are mediated by protein kinase A (PKA) and the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Epac. The present review focuses on how cAMP is regulated by nutrients, hormones and neural factors in β- and α-cells via adenylyl cyclase-catalysed generation and phosphodiesterase-mediated degradation. We will also discuss how PKA and Epac affect ion fluxes and the secretory machinery to transduce the stimulatory effects on insulin and glucagon secretion. Finally, we will briefly describe disturbances of the cAMP system associated with diabetes and how cAMP signalling can be targeted to normalize hypo- and hypersecretion of insulin and glucagon, respectively, in diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Tengholm
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erik Gylfe
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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28
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Lavagnino Z, Dwight J, Ustione A, Nguyen TU, Tkaczyk TS, Piston DW. Snapshot Hyperspectral Light-Sheet Imaging of Signal Transduction in Live Pancreatic Islets. Biophys J 2017; 111:409-417. [PMID: 27463142 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The observation of ionic signaling dynamics in intact pancreatic islets has contributed greatly to our understanding of both α- and β-cell function. Insulin secretion from β-cells depends on the firing of action potentials and consequent rises of intracellular calcium activity ([Ca(2+)]i). Zinc (Zn(2+)) is cosecreted with insulin, and has been postulated to play a role in cell-to-cell cross talk within an islet, in particular inhibiting glucagon secretion from α-cells. Thus, measuring [Ca(2+)]i and Zn(2+) dynamics from both α- and β-cells will elucidate mechanisms underlying islet hormone secretion. [Ca(2+)]i and intracellular Zn(2+) can be measured using fluorescent biosensors, but the most efficient sensors have overlapping spectra that complicate their discrimination. Hyperspectral imaging can be used to distinguish signals from multiple fluorophores, but available hyperspectral implementations are either too slow to measure the dynamics of ionic signals or not suitable for thick samples. We have developed a five-dimensional (x,y,z,t,λ) imaging system that leverages a snapshot hyperspectral imaging method, image mapping spectrometry, and light-sheet microscopy. This system provides subsecond temporal resolution from deep within multicellular structures. Using a single excitation wavelength (488 nm) we acquired images from triply labeled samples with two biosensors and a genetically expressing fluorescent protein (spectrally overlapping with one of the biosensors) with high temporal resolution. Measurements of [Ca(2+)]i and Zn(2+) within both α- and β-cells as a function of glucose concentration show heterogeneous uptake of Zn(2+) into α-cells that correlates to the known heterogeneities in [Ca(2+)]i. These differences in intracellular Zn(2+) among α-cells may contribute to the inhibition in glucagon secretion observed at elevated glucose levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Lavagnino
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jason Dwight
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Alessandro Ustione
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | | | - David W Piston
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
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29
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Reissaus CA, Piston DW. Reestablishment of Glucose Inhibition of Glucagon Secretion in Small Pseudoislets. Diabetes 2017; 66:960-969. [PMID: 28130310 PMCID: PMC5360306 DOI: 10.2337/db16-1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Misregulated hormone secretion from the islet of Langerhans is central to the pathophysiology of diabetes. Although insulin plays a key role in glucose regulation, the importance of glucagon is increasingly acknowledged. However, the mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion from α-cells are still unclear. We used pseudoislets reconstituted from dispersed islet cells to study α-cells with and without various indirect effects from other islet cells. Dispersed islet cells secrete aberrant levels of glucagon and insulin at basal and elevated glucose levels. When cultured, murine islet cells reassociate to form pseudoislets, which recover normal glucose-regulated hormone secretion, and human islet cells follow a similar pattern. We created small (∼40-µm) pseudoislets using all of the islet cells or only some of the cell types, which allowed us to characterize novel aspects of regulated hormone secretion. The recovery of regulated glucagon secretion from α-cells in small pseudoislets depends upon the combined action of paracrine factors, such as insulin and somatostatin, and juxtacrine signals between EphA4/7 on α-cells and ephrins on β-cells. Although these signals modulate different pathways, both appear to be required for proper inhibition of glucagon secretion in response to glucose. This improved understanding of the modulation of glucagon secretion can provide novel therapeutic routes for the treatment of some individuals with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Reissaus
- Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - David W Piston
- Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, and Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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30
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Almaça J, Molina J, Menegaz D, Pronin AN, Tamayo A, Slepak V, Berggren PO, Caicedo A. Human Beta Cells Produce and Release Serotonin to Inhibit Glucagon Secretion from Alpha Cells. Cell Rep 2016; 17:3281-3291. [PMID: 28009296 PMCID: PMC5217294 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.11.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the pancreatic islet, serotonin is an autocrine signal increasing beta cell mass during metabolic challenges such as those associated with pregnancy or high-fat diet. It is still unclear whether serotonin is relevant for regular islet physiology and hormone secretion. Here, we show that human beta cells produce and secrete serotonin when stimulated with increases in glucose concentration. Serotonin secretion from beta cells decreases cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in neighboring alpha cells via 5-HT1F receptors and inhibits glucagon secretion. Without serotonergic input, alpha cells lose their ability to regulate glucagon secretion in response to changes in glucose concentration, suggesting that diminished serotonergic control of alpha cells can cause glucose blindness and the uncontrolled glucagon secretion associated with diabetes. Supporting this model, pharmacological activation of 5-HT1F receptors reduces glucagon secretion and has hypoglycemic effects in diabetic mice. Thus, modulation of serotonin signaling in the islet represents a drug intervention opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Almaça
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | - Judith Molina
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Danusa Menegaz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Alexey N Pronin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Alejandro Tamayo
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Vladlen Slepak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm SE-17177, Sweden; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Alejandro Caicedo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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31
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Gylfe E. Glucose control of glucagon secretion-'There's a brand-new gimmick every year'. Ups J Med Sci 2016; 121:120-32. [PMID: 27044660 PMCID: PMC4900067 DOI: 10.3109/03009734.2016.1154905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon from the pancreatic α-cells is a major blood glucose-regulating hormone whose most important role is to prevent hypoglycaemia that can be life-threatening due to the brain's strong dependence on glucose as energy source. Lack of blood glucose-lowering insulin after malfunction or autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic β-cells is the recognized cause of diabetes, but recent evidence indicates that diabetic hyperglycaemia would not develop unless lack of insulin was accompanied by hypersecretion of glucagon. Glucagon release has therefore become an increasingly important target in diabetes management. Despite decades of research, an understanding of how glucagon secretion is regulated remains elusive, and fundamentally different mechanisms continue to be proposed. The autonomous nervous system is an important determinant of glucagon release, but it is clear that secretion is also directly regulated within the pancreatic islets. The present review focuses on pancreatic islet mechanisms involved in glucose regulation of glucagon release. It will be argued that α-cell-intrinsic processes are most important for regulation of glucagon release during recovery from hypoglycaemia and that paracrine inhibition by somatostatin from the δ-cells shapes pulsatile glucagon release in hyperglycaemia. The electrically coupled β-cells ultimately determine islet hormone pulsatility by releasing synchronizing factors that affect the α- and δ-cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Gylfe
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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32
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Watts M, Ha J, Kimchi O, Sherman A. Paracrine regulation of glucagon secretion: the β/α/δ model. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2016; 310:E597-E611. [PMID: 26837808 PMCID: PMC4835945 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00415.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The regulation of glucagon secretion in the pancreatic α-cell is not well understood. It has been proposed that glucose suppresses glucagon secretion either directly through an intrinsic mechanism within the α-cell or indirectly through an extrinsic mechanism. Previously, we described a mathematical model for isolated pancreatic α-cells and used it to investigate possible intrinsic mechanisms of regulating glucagon secretion. We demonstrated that glucose can suppress glucagon secretion through both ATP-dependent potassium channels (KATP) and a store-operated current (SOC). We have now developed an islet model that combines previously published mathematical models of α- and β-cells with a new model of δ-cells and use it to explore the effects of insulin and somatostatin on glucagon secretion. We show that the model can reproduce experimental observations that the inhibitory effect of glucose remains even when paracrine modulators are no longer acting on the α-cell. We demonstrate how paracrine interactions can either synchronize α- and δ-cells to produce pulsatile oscillations in glucagon and somatostatin secretion or fail to do so. The model can also account for the paradoxical observation that glucagon can be out of phase with insulin, whereas α-cell calcium is in phase with insulin. We conclude that both paracrine interactions and the α-cell's intrinsic mechanisms are needed to explain the response of glucagon secretion to glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Watts
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Joon Ha
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
| | - Ofer Kimchi
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Arthur Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and
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33
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Hutchens T, Piston DW. EphA4 Receptor Forward Signaling Inhibits Glucagon Secretion From α-Cells. Diabetes 2015; 64:3839-51. [PMID: 26251403 PMCID: PMC4613968 DOI: 10.2337/db15-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The loss of inhibition of glucagon secretion exacerbates hyperglycemia in type 1 and 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate glucagon secretion in unaffected and diabetic states remain relatively unexplained. We present evidence supporting a new model of juxtacrine-mediated regulation of glucagon secretion where neighboring islet cells negatively regulate glucagon secretion through tonic stimulation of α-cell EphA receptors. Primarily through EphA4 receptors, this stimulation correlates with maintenance of a dense F-actin network. In islets, additional stimulation and inhibition of endogenous EphA forward signaling result in inhibition and enhancement, respectively, of glucagon secretion, accompanied by an increase and decrease, respectively, in α-cell F-actin density. Sorted α-cells lack endogenous stimulation of EphA forward signaling from neighboring cells, resulting in enhanced basal glucagon secretion as compared with islets and the elimination of glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion. Restoration of EphA forward signaling in sorted α-cells recapitulates both normal basal glucagon secretion and glucose inhibition of glucagon secretion. Additionally, α-cell-specific EphA4(-/-) mice exhibit abnormal glucagon dynamics, and EphA4(-/-) α-cells contain less dense F-actin networks than EphA4(+/+) α-cells. This juxtacrine-mediated model provides insight into the functional and dysfunctional regulation of glucagon secretion and opens up new therapeutic strategies for the clinical management of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Troy Hutchens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - David W Piston
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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34
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Montefusco F, Pedersen MG. Mathematical modelling of local calcium and regulated exocytosis during inhibition and stimulation of glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha-cells. J Physiol 2015; 593:4519-30. [PMID: 26236035 DOI: 10.1113/jp270777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha-cells is dysregulated in diabetes. Despite decades of investigations of the control of glucagon release by glucose and hormones, the underlying mechanisms are still debated. Recently, mathematical models have been applied to investigate the modification of electrical activity in alpha-cells as a result of glucose application. However, recent studies have shown that paracrine effects such as inhibition of glucagon secretion by glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) or stimulation of release by adrenaline involve cAMP-mediated effects downstream of electrical activity. In particular, depending of the intracellular cAMP concentration, specific types of Ca(2+) channels are inhibited or activated, which interacts with mobilization of secretory granules. To investigate these aspects of alpha-cell function theoretically, we carefully developed a mathematical model of Ca(2+) levels near open or closed Ca(2+) channels of various types, which was linked to a description of Ca(2+) below the plasma membrane, in the bulk cytosol and in the endoplasmic reticulum. We investigated how the various subcellular Ca(2+) compartments contribute to control of glucagon-exocytosis in response to glucose, GLP-1 or adrenaline. Our studies refine previous modelling studies of alpha-cell function, and provide deeper insight into the control of glucagon secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Montefusco
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Morten Gram Pedersen
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Via Gradenigo 6/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Li J, Yu Q, Ahooghalandari P, Gribble FM, Reimann F, Tengholm A, Gylfe E. Submembrane ATP and Ca2+ kinetics in α-cells: unexpected signaling for glucagon secretion. FASEB J 2015; 29:3379-88. [PMID: 25911612 PMCID: PMC4539996 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-265918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cytoplasmic ATP and Ca(2+) are implicated in current models of glucose's control of glucagon and insulin secretion from pancreatic α- and β-cells, respectively, but little is known about ATP and its relation to Ca(2+) in α-cells. We therefore expressed the fluorescent ATP biosensor Perceval in mouse pancreatic islets and loaded them with a Ca(2+) indicator. With total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, we recorded subplasma membrane concentrations of Ca(2+) and ATP ([Ca(2+)]pm; [ATP]pm) in superficial α- and β-cells of intact islets and related signaling to glucagon and insulin secretion by immunoassay. Consistent with ATP's controlling glucagon and insulin secretion during hypo- and hyperglycemia, respectively, the dose-response relationship for glucose-induced [ATP]pm generation was left shifted in α-cells compared to β-cells. Both cell types showed [Ca(2+)]pm and [ATP]pm oscillations in opposite phase, probably reflecting energy-consuming Ca(2+) transport. Although pulsatile insulin and glucagon release are in opposite phase, [Ca(2+)]pm synchronized in the same phase between α- and β-cells. This paradox can be explained by the overriding of Ca(2+) stimulation by paracrine inhibition, because somatostatin receptor blockade potently stimulated glucagon release with little effect on Ca(2+). The data indicate that an α-cell-intrinsic mechanism controls glucagon in hypoglycemia and that paracrine factors shape pulsatile secretion in hyperglycemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Qian Yu
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Parvin Ahooghalandari
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Reimann
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anders Tengholm
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Gylfe
- *Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Kenty JHR, Melton DA. Testing pancreatic islet function at the single cell level by calcium influx with associated marker expression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122044. [PMID: 25853429 PMCID: PMC4390334 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Studying the response of islet cells to glucose stimulation is important for understanding cell function in healthy and disease states. Most functional assays are performed on whole islets or cell populations, resulting in averaged observations and loss of information at the single cell level. We demonstrate methods to examine calcium fluxing in individual cells of intact islets in response to multiple glucose challenges. Wild-type mouse islets predominantly contained cells that responded to three (out of three) sequential high glucose challenges, whereas cells of diabetic islets (db/db or NOD) responded less frequently or not at all. Imaged islets were also immunostained for endocrine markers to associate the calcium flux profile of individual cells with gene expression. Wild-type mouse islet cells that robustly fluxed calcium expressed β cell markers (INS/NKX6.1), whereas islet cells that inversely fluxed at low glucose expressed α cell markers (GCG). Diabetic mouse islets showed a higher proportion of dysfunctional β cells that responded poorly to glucose challenges. Most of the failed calcium influx responses in β cells were observed in the second and third high glucose challenges, emphasizing the importance of multiple sequential glucose challenges for assessing the full function of islet cells. Human islet cells were also assessed and showed functional α and β cells. This approach to analyze islet responses to multiple glucose challenges in correlation with gene expression assays expands the understanding of β cell function and the diseased state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H. R. Kenty
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Melton
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Elliott AD, Ustione A, Piston DW. Somatostatin and insulin mediate glucose-inhibited glucagon secretion in the pancreatic α-cell by lowering cAMP. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E130-43. [PMID: 25406263 PMCID: PMC4297778 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00344.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulation of glucose-inhibited glucagon secretion from the pancreatic islet α-cell is a critical component of diabetes pathology and metabolic disease. We show a previously uncharacterized [Ca(2+)]i-independent mechanism of glucagon suppression in human and murine pancreatic islets whereby cAMP and PKA signaling are decreased. This decrease is driven by the combination of somatostatin, which inhibits adenylyl cyclase production of cAMP via the Gαi subunit of the SSTR2, and insulin, which acts via its receptor to activate phosphodiesterase 3B and degrade cytosolic cAMP. Our data indicate that both somatostatin and insulin signaling are required to suppress cAMP/PKA and glucagon secretion from both human and murine α-cells, and the combination of these two signaling mechanisms is sufficient to reduce glucagon secretion from isolated α-cells as well as islets. Thus, we conclude that somatostatin and insulin together are critical paracrine mediators of glucose-inhibited glucagon secretion and function by lowering cAMP/PKA signaling with increasing glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amicia D Elliott
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Alessandro Ustione
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David W Piston
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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Dhalla AK, Yang M, Ning Y, Kahlig KM, Krause M, Rajamani S, Belardinelli L. Blockade of Na+ channels in pancreatic α-cells has antidiabetic effects. Diabetes 2014; 63:3545-56. [PMID: 24812428 DOI: 10.2337/db13-1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic α-cells express voltage-gated Na(+) channels (NaChs), which support the generation of electrical activity leading to an increase in intracellular calcium, and cause exocytosis of glucagon. Ranolazine, a NaCh blocker, is approved for treatment of angina. In addition to its antianginal effects, ranolazine has been shown to reduce HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease; however, the mechanism behind its antidiabetic effect has been unclear. We tested the hypothesis that ranolazine exerts its antidiabetic effects by inhibiting glucagon release via blockade of NaChs in the pancreatic α-cells. Our data show that ranolazine, via blockade of NaChs in pancreatic α-cells, inhibits their electrical activity and reduces glucagon release. We found that glucagon release in human pancreatic islets is mediated by the Nav1.3 isoform. In animal models of diabetes, ranolazine and a more selective NaCh blocker (GS-458967) lowered postprandial and basal glucagon levels, which were associated with a reduction in hyperglycemia, confirming that glucose-lowering effects of ranolazine are due to the blockade of NaChs. This mechanism of action is unique in that no other approved antidiabetic drugs act via this mechanism, and raises the prospect that selective Nav1.3 blockers may constitute a novel approach for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvinder K Dhalla
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Yun Ning
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Kristopher M Kahlig
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Michael Krause
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Sridharan Rajamani
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
| | - Luiz Belardinelli
- Department of Biology, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area, Gilead Sciences, Inc., Fremont, CA
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Watts M, Sherman A. Modeling the pancreatic α-cell: dual mechanisms of glucose suppression of glucagon secretion. Biophys J 2014; 106:741-51. [PMID: 24507615 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.11.4504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which glucose induces insulin secretion in β-cells is fairly well understood. Despite years of research, however, the mechanism of glucagon secretion in α-cells is still not well established. It has been proposed that glucose regulates glucagon secretion by decreasing the conductance of either outward ATP-dependent potassium channels (K(ATP)) or an inward store-operated current (SOC). We have developed a mathematical model based on mouse data to test these hypotheses and found that both mechanisms are possible. Glucose metabolism closes K(ATP) channels, which depolarizes the cell but paradoxically reduces calcium influx by inactivating voltage-dependent calcium and sodium channels and decreases secretion. Glucose metabolism also activates SERCA pumps, which fills the endoplasmic reticulum and hyperpolarizes the cells by reducing the inward current through SOC channels and again suppresses glucagon secretion. We find further that the two mechanisms can combine to account for the nonmonotonic dependence of secretion on glucose observed in some studies, an effect that cannot be obtained with either mechanism alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Watts
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Arthur Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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Rorsman P, Ramracheya R, Rorsman NJG, Zhang Q. ATP-regulated potassium channels and voltage-gated calcium channels in pancreatic alpha and beta cells: similar functions but reciprocal effects on secretion. Diabetologia 2014; 57:1749-61. [PMID: 24906950 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Closure of ATP-regulated K(+) channels (K(ATP) channels) plays a central role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in beta cells. K(ATP) channels are also highly expressed in glucagon-producing alpha cells, where their function remains unresolved. Under hypoglycaemic conditions, K(ATP) channels are open in alpha cells but their activity is low and only ~1% of that in beta cells. Like beta cells, alpha cells respond to hyperglycaemia with K(ATP) channel closure, membrane depolarisation and stimulation of action potential firing. Yet, hyperglycaemia reciprocally regulates glucagon (inhibition) and insulin secretion (stimulation). Here we discuss how this conundrum can be resolved and how reduced K(ATP) channel activity, via membrane depolarisation, paradoxically reduces alpha cell Ca(2+) entry and glucagon exocytosis. Finally, we consider whether the glucagon secretory defects associated with diabetes can be attributed to impaired K(ATP) channel regulation and discuss the potential for remedial pharmacological intervention using sulfonylureas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Rorsman
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7LJ, UK,
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Abstract
Glucagon secreted by pancreatic α-cells is the major hyperglycemic hormone correcting acute hypoglycaemia (glucose counterregulation). In diabetes the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia becomes compromised and chronic hyperglucagonemia appears. There is increasing awareness that glucagon excess may underlie important manifestations of diabetes. However opinions differ widely how glucose controls glucagon secretion. The autonomous nervous system plays an important role in the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia. But it is clear that glucose controls glucagon secretion also by mechanisms involving direct effects on α-cells or indirect effects via paracrine factors released from non-α-cells within the pancreatic islets. The present review discusses these mechanisms and argues that different regulatory processes are involved in a glucose concentration-dependent manner. Direct glucose effects on the α-cell and autocrine mechanisms are probably most significant for the glucagon response to hypoglycaemia. During hyperglycaemia, when secretion from β- and δ-cells is stimulated, paracrine inhibitory factors generate pulsatile glucagon release in opposite phase to pulsatile release of insulin and somatostatin. High concentrations of glucose have also stimulatory effects on glucagon secretion that tend to balance and even exceed the inhibitory influence. The latter actions might underlie the paradoxical hyperglucagonemia that aggravates hyperglycaemia in persons with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Gylfe
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, BMC Box 571, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Cheng-Xue R, Gómez-Ruiz A, Antoine N, Noël LA, Chae HY, Ravier MA, Chimienti F, Schuit FC, Gilon P. Tolbutamide controls glucagon release from mouse islets differently than glucose: involvement of K(ATP) channels from both α-cells and δ-cells. Diabetes 2013; 62:1612-22. [PMID: 23382449 PMCID: PMC3636641 DOI: 10.2337/db12-0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the role of ATP-sensitive K⁺ (K(ATP)) channels, somatostatin, and Zn²⁺ in the control of glucagon secretion from mouse islets. Switching from 1 to 7 mmol/L glucose inhibited glucagon release. Diazoxide did not reverse the glucagonostatic effect of glucose. Tolbutamide decreased glucagon secretion at 1 mmol/L glucose (G1) but stimulated it at 7 mmol/L glucose (G7). The reduced glucagon secretion produced by high concentrations of tolbutamide or diazoxide, or disruption of K(ATP) channels (Sur1(-/-) mice) at G1 could be inhibited further by G7. Removal of the somatostatin paracrine influence (Sst(-/-) mice or pretreatement with pertussis toxin) strongly increased glucagon release, did not prevent the glucagonostatic effect of G7, and unmasked a marked glucagonotropic effect of tolbutamide. Glucose inhibited glucagon release in the absence of functional K(ATP) channels and somatostatin signaling. Knockout of the Zn²⁺ transporter ZnT8 (ZnT8(-/-) mice) did not prevent the glucagonostatic effect of glucose. In conclusion, glucose can inhibit glucagon release independently of Zn²⁺, K(ATP) channels, and somatostatin. Closure of K(ATP) channels controls glucagon secretion by two mechanisms, a direct stimulation of α-cells and an indirect inhibition via somatostatin released from δ-cells. The net effect on glucagon release results from a balance between both effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cheng-Xue
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ana Gómez-Ruiz
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nancy Antoine
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura A. Noël
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hee-Young Chae
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Magalie A. Ravier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, CNRS UMR-5203, INSERM U661, Universités de Montpellier 1 et 2, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Frans C. Schuit
- Gene Expression Unit, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Pôle d’Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Corresponding author: Patrick Gilon,
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