Autoimmunity against INS-IGF2 expressed in human pancreatic islets.

Insulin is a major autoantigen in islet autoimmunity and progression to type 1 diabetes. It has been suggested that the insulin B-chain may be critical to insulin autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. INS-IGF2 consists of the preproinsulin signal peptide, the insulin B-chain and eight amino acids of the C-peptide in addition to 138 amino acids from the IGF2 gene. We aimed to determine 1) expression of INS-IGF2 in human pancreatic islets and 2) autoantibodies in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes children and controls. INS-IGF2, expressed primarily in beta cells, showed higher levels of expression in islets from normal compared to donors with either type 2 diabetes (p=0.006) or high HbA1c levels (p<0.001). INS-IGF2 autoantibody levels were increased in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients (n=304) compared to healthy controls (n=355; p<0.001). Displacement with cold insulin and INS-IGF2 revealed that more patients than controls had doubly reactive insulin-INS-IGF2 autoantibodies. These data suggest that INS-IGF2, which contains the preproinsulin signal peptide, the B-chain and eight amino acids of the C-peptide may be an autoantigen in type 1 diabetes. INS-IGF2 and insulin may share autoantibody binding sites, thus complicating the notion that insulin is the primary autoantigen in type 1 diabetes

TCF7L2 is a master regulator of insulin production and processing

Genome-wide association studies have revealed >60 loci associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the underlying causal variants and functional mechanisms remain largely elusive. Although variants in TCF7L2 confer the strongest risk of T2D among common variants by presumed effects on islet function, the molecular mechanisms are not yet well understood. Using RNA-sequencing, we have identified a TCF7L2-regulated transcriptional network responsible for its effect on insulin secretion in rodent and human pancreatic islets. ISL1 is a primary target of TCF7L2 and regulates proinsulin production and processing via MAFA, PDX1, NKX6.1, PCSK1, PCSK2 and SLC30A8, thereby providing evidence for a coordinated regulation of insulin production and processing. The risk T-allele of rs7903146 was associated with increased TCF7L2 expression, and decreased insulin content and secretion. Using gene expression profiles of 66 human pancreatic islets donors', we also show that the identified TCF7L2-ISL1 transcriptional network is regulated in a genotype-dependent manner. Taken together, these results demonstrate that not only synthesis of proinsulin is regulated by TCF7L2 but also processing and possibly clearance of proinsulin and insulin. These multiple targets in key pathways may explain why TCF7L2 has emerged as the gene showing one of the strongest associations with T2

HTR1A a Novel Type 1 Diabetes Susceptibility Gene on Chromosome 5p13-q13

Background: We have previously performed a genome-wide linkage study in Scandinavian Type 1 diabetes (T1D) families. In the Swedish families, we detected suggestive linkage (LOD less than= 2.2) to the chromosome 5p13-q13 region. The aim of our study was to investigate the linked region in search for possible T1D susceptibility genes. Methodology/Principal Findings: Microsatellites were genotyped in the Scandinavian families to fine-map the previously linked region. Further, SNPs were genotyped in Swedish and Danish families as well as Swedish sporadic cases. In the Swedish families we detected genome-wide significant linkage to the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1A (HTR1A) gene (LOD 3.98, pless than9.8x10(-6)). Markers tagging two separate genes; the ring finger protein 180 (RNF180) and HTR1A showed association to T1D in the Swedish and Danish families (pless than0.002, pless than0.001 respectively). The association was not confirmed in sporadic cases. Conditional analysis indicates that the primary association was to HTR1A. Quantitative PCR show that transcripts of both HTR1A and RNF180 are present in human islets of Langerhans. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the presence of the 5-HTR1A protein in isolated human islets of Langerhans as well as in sections of human pancreas. Conclusions: We have identified and confirmed the association of both HTR1A and RFN180, two genes in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) to T1D in two separate family materials. As both HTR1A and RFN180 were expressed at the mRNA level and HTR1A as protein in human islets of Langerhans, we suggest that HTR1A may affect T1D susceptibility by modulating the initial autoimmune attack or either islet regeneration, insulin release, or both

Novel insights into the role of serotonin in control of β-cell fuction

Inadequate insulin secretion is a central component in the development of Diabetes Mellitus, resulting from reduced pancreatic β-cell mass, as well as diminished β-cell function. Islet produced 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) is suggested to regulate insulin secretion and β-cell mass in rodents during pregnancy and in metabolically challenged states. However, the role of 5-HT in control of insulin release in humans is still controversial. Virtually all 5-HT receptors are coupled to G-proteins and activate different second messenger systems, with the exception of the 5-HT3-receptor family which are ligand-gated ion channels. In this thesis I have studied 5-HT signaling in human islets of Langerhans employing a number of physiological and biochemical techniques. Moreover, different pharmacological compounds targeting specific 5-HT receptors to improve insulin release are investigated. A complete transcriptional mapping of 5-HT receptors in human islets of Langerhans revealed expression of fourteen 5-HT receptors, as well as the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of 5-HT. Two 5-HT receptor genes (HTR1D and HTR2A) were over-expressed in type 2 diabetic (T2D) islet donors and while 5-HT inhibited both insulin and glucagon secretion in non-diabetic islet donors, 5-HT increased the release of insulin in response to glucose in diabetic T2D islet donors. When investigating the specific function of receptors 5-HT1d and 5-HT2a in non-diabetic islets, we found that a 5-HT1d receptor agonist inhibited insulin release, while a 5-HT1d antagonist potentiated insulin release. Similarly, a 5-HT2a receptor agonist significantly potentiated insulin release, and an antagonist blunted the response of insulin to glucose. When stimulating human and mouse islets, as well as INS-1 (832/13) cells with a specific 5-HT2b receptor agonist GSIS was enhanced. Moreover, silencing Htr2b in INS-1 (832/13) cells resulted in a 30% reduction in GSIS. In addition, 5-HT2b receptor-activation produced robust, regular and sustained Ca2+ oscillations, paralleled with an increase in oxidative consumption rate in mouse islets. In vivo studies showed that AMS significantly decreased the insulinogenic index in AMS treated HFD fed mice as compared to untreated mice. Moreover, isolated pancreatic islets from AMS-treated mice given a control diet secreted less insulin in response to glucose compared to islets from untreated control diet fed mice. Taken together, we show that differential expression levels of 5-HT receptors have functional consequences on islet hormone secretion that may contribute to islet dysfunction as observed in T2D. Furthermore, we provide evidence for an important role of 5-HT2b receptor signaling in control of insulin secretion in vitro. In conclusion, our data suggests an important role for 5-HT signaling in control of islet hormone secretion

Islet-specific monoamine oxidase A and B expression depends on MafA transcriptional activity and is compromised in type 2 diabetes.

Lack or dysfunction of insulin producing β cells results in the development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. Insulin secretion is controlled by metabolic stimuli (glucose, fatty acids), but also by monoamine neurotransmitters, like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Intracellular monoamine levels are controlled by monoamine oxidases (Mao) A and B. Here we show that MaoA and MaoB are expressed in mouse islet β cells and that inhibition of Mao activity reduces insulin secretion in response to metabolic stimuli. Moreover, analysis of MaoA and MaoB protein expression in mouse and human type 2 diabetic islets shows a significant reduction of MaoB in type 2 diabetic β cells suggesting that loss of Mao contributes to β cell dysfunction. MaoB expression was also reduced in β cells of MafA-deficient mice, a mouse model for β cell dysfunction, and biochemical studies showed that MafA directly binds to and activates MaoA and MaoB transcriptional control sequences. Taken together, our results show that MaoA and MaoB expression in pancreatic islets is required for physiological insulin secretion and lost in type 2 diabetic mouse and human β cells. These findings demonstrate that regulation of monoamine levels by Mao activity in β cells is pivotal for physiological insulin secretion and that loss of MaoB expression may contribute to the β cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes

The effects of a HTR2B stop codon and testosterone on energy metabolism and beta cell function among antisocial Finnish males

Herein, we examined insulin resistance (IR), insulin sensitivity (IS), beta cell activity, and glucose metabolism in subjects with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and whether the serotonin 2B (5-HT2B) receptor and testosterone have a role in energy metabolism. A cohort of subjects belonging to a founder population that included 98 ASPD males, aged 25-30, was divided into groups based on the presence of a heterozygous 5-HT2B receptor loss-of-function gene mutation (HTR2B Q20*; n = 9) or not (n = 89). Serum glucose and insulin levels were measured in a 5 h oral glucose tolerance test (75 g) and indices describing IR, IS, and beta cell activity were calculated. Body mass index (BMI) was also determined. Concentrations of the serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were measured in cerebrospinal fluid, and testosterone levels from serum. An IR-like state comprising high IR, low IS, and high beta cell activity indices was observed among ASPD subjects without the HTR2B Q20* allele. By contrast, being an ASPD HTR2B Q20* carrier appeared to be preventive of these pathophysiologies. The HTR2B Q20* allele and testosterone predicted lower BMI independently, but an interaction between HTR2B Q20* and testosterone lead to increased insulin sensitivity among HTR2B Q20* carriers with low testosterone levels. The HTR2B Q20* allele also predicted reduced beta cell activity and enhanced glucose metabolism. Reduced 5-HT2B receptor function at low or normal testosterone levels may be protective of obesity. Results were observed among Finnish males having an antisocial personality disorder, which limits the generality. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Apelin is a novel islet peptide.

International audienceApelin, a recently discovered peptide with wide tissue distribution, regulates feeding behavior, improves glucose utilization, and inhibits insulin secretion. We examined whether apelin is expressed in human islets, as well as in normal and type 2 diabetic (T2D) animal islets. Further, we studied islet apelin regulation and the effect of apelin on insulin secretion. Apelin expression and regulation was examined in human and animal specimens using immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and real-time PCR. Insulin secretion was studied in INS-1 (832/13) clonal beta cells. APJ-receptor expression was studied using real-time PCR. In human and murine islets apelin was predominantly expressed in beta cells and alpha cells; a subpopulation of the PP cells in human islets also harbored apelin. In porcine and feline islets apelin was mainly expressed in beta cells. APJ-receptor expression was detected in INS-1 (832/13) cells, and in human and mouse islets. A high dose (1microM) of apelin-36 caused a moderate increase in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (30%; p<0.001), while lower concentrations (10-100nM) of apelin robustly reduced insulin secretion by 50% (p<0.001). Apelin was upregulated in beta cells of T2D db/db mice (47% vs. controls; p<0.02) and GK-rats (74% vs. controls; p<0.002), but human islet apelin expression was unaffected by glucose. On the other hand, human islet apelin expression was diminished after culture in glucocorticoids (16% vs. controls; p<0.01). We conclude that apelin is a novel insulin-regulating islet peptide in humans and several laboratory animals. Islet apelin expression is negatively regulated by glucocorticoids, and upregulated in T2D animals. The presence of apelin receptors in islets suggests a role for apelin as a paracrine or autocrine messenger within the islets

Microphthalmia transcription factor regulates pancreatic β-cell function

Precise regulation of β-cell function is crucial for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Pax6 is an essential regulator of β-cell-specific factors like insulin and Glut2. Studies in the developing eye suggest that Pax6 interacts with Mitf to regulate pigment cell differentiation. Here, we show that Mitf, like Pax6, is expressed in all pancreatic endocrine cells during mouse postnatal development and in the adult islet. A Mitf loss-of-function mutation results in improved glucose tolerance and enhanced insulin secretion but no increase in β-cell mass in adult mice. Mutant β-cells secrete more insulin in response to glucose than wild-type cells, suggesting that Mitf is involved in regulating β-cell function. In fact, the transcription of genes critical for maintaining glucose homeostasis (insulin and Glut2) and β-cell formation and function (Pax4 and Pax6) is significantly upregulated in Mitf mutant islets. The increased Pax6 expression may cause the improved β-cell function observed in Mitf mutant animals, as it activates insulin and Glut2 transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis shows that Mitf binds to Pax4 and Pax6 regulatory regions, suggesting that Mitf represses their transcription in wild-type β-cells. We demonstrate that Mitf directly regulates Pax6 transcription and controls β-cell function