Rôle des acides biliaires et de leur récepteur TGR5 dans la régulation de la somatostatine pancréatique et intestinale : conséquences fonctionnelles sur les îlots pancréatiques humains

Bile acids (BAs) have evolved over the years from being considered as simple lipid solubilizers to metabolically active molecules. In addition to their function in dietary lipid absorption, they have also been shown to activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 receptors to initiate signaling pathways and regulate metabolic gene transcription. TGR5 (encoded by the GPBAR1 gene), also known as G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids (M-BAR) or G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1), was the first identified G-protein coupled receptor specific for bile acids. In normal individuals, the highest level of GPBAR1 mRNA expression was reported in the gallbladder, placenta and spleen, followed by moderate expression in other tissues including lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine and adipose tissue, with a relatively low level of expression in kidney, skeletal muscles and pancreas. In response to binding of BAs to the ligand-binding pocket of the TGR5 protein, the TGR5 receptor is internalized and the GαS subunit is released. This mechanism leads to activation of adenylate cyclase and an increase in cAMP production resulting in induction of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Subsequently, PKA phosphorylates the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and enhances the transcription of its target genes in response to extracellular signals.To date, extensive work has been done to investigate the role of TGR5 in metabolism. In rodents, BA-activated TGR5 receptor stimulates energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and prevents obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet. TGR5 is also implicated in intestinal L-cells secreted GLP-1, which plays an essential role in glucose homeostasis through the stimulation of glucose-dependent-insulin-secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying and increasing satiety through neuroendocrine pathways. In terms of the immunological function of TGR5, it is now known that TGR5 is expressed in several immune cells such as monocytes, alveolar macrophages and Kupffer cells. The beneficial effects of TGR5 on macrophage-driven inflammation include reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, thus protecting against atherosclerosis and liver steatosis. On the contrary, TGR5 activation has also been implicated in itch and analgesia, gastrointestinal-tract cell carcinogenesis, pancreatitis, and cholelithiasis, suggesting a potential role for TGR5 as a regulator of signal transduction pathways responsible for cell proliferation and apoptosis. BAs may also influence islet function via both direct and indirect mechanisms as recent studies have shown that Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is expressed by pancreatic beta cells, and regulates insulin signaling in cultured cell lines. Kumar et al., [14] also reported that the TGR5 agonists INT-777 + oleanolic acid (OA) stimulated glucose-mediated insulin release via TGR5 activation, also in cultured cells. Still, little is known about the regulation of TGR5 expression or its involvement in pancreatic hormone secretion in response to physiological or pathological conditions such as T2D, as these studies have been performed mainly in cultured cell lines. In these contexts, the biological function of TGR5 remains enigmatic. The aim of the present study was first to establish the specific expression of TGR5 in human pancreatic islet cell subtypes. Then, a cross-sectional cohort of human islets isolated from individuals with various degrees of insulin resistance was exploited to determine if TGR5 expression and function was modified in T2D. Finally to determine if targeting TGR5 is clinically relevant, human islets were treated in-vitro with a specific agonist of TGR5 or with siRNA directed against TGR5 and hormone secretion assessed to establish whether TGR5 activation or inhibition modulate pancreatic hormone secretion.Le rôle des acides biliaires a évolué ces dernières années passant de simples molécules solubilisatrices des lipides à des composés à activité métabolique. En plus de leur fonction dans l’absorption des lipides post-repas, ils ont été montrés comme stimulant de nombreuses voies de signalisation modulant l’expression de gènes clefs du métabolisme et de nombreux mécanismes physiologiques via l’activation de récepteurs spécifiques tels que les récepteurs « Farnesoid X receptor » (FXR) et le récepteur membranaire couplé à une protéine G, TGR5. La protéine TGR5 codée par le gène GPBAR1, aussi connue sous le nom de « G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids » (M-BAR) est le premier récepteur couplé à une protéine G spécifique aux acides biliaires ayant été mis en évidence. Cette protéine est exprimée dans de nombreux tissus clefs du métabolisme énergétique tels que les cellules L intestinales, le tissu adipeux, les reins, le muscle squelettique et le pancréas. En réponse à la fixation des acides biliaires au récepteur TGR5, celui-ci va être internalisé et sa sous-unité GαS va être libérée. Ce mécanisme va ensuite activer l’adénylate cyclase et augmenter la production d’AMPc à l’origine de l’activation des voies de signalisations liées à la protéine kinase A (PKA). Une fois activée, la PKA va induire la phosphorylation des protéines « cAMP-response element-binding » (CREB) et permettre la modulation de l’expression de gènes cibles.Ces dernières années de nombreux travaux ont eu pour but d’étudier le rôle du récepteur TGR5 dans le métabolisme. Chez la souris, l’activation du récepteur TGR5 stimule la dépense énergétique dans le tissu adipeux brun et dans le muscle squelettique et prévient le développement de l’obésité et de l’insulino-résistance induites par un régime riche en graisses. Le récepteur TGR5 est également impliqué au niveau des cellules L intestinales sécrétrices du GLP-1. Il y joue un rôle essentiel dans l’homéostasie glucidique via la régulation de l’activité pancréatique, des sécrétions de l’insuline et du glucagon, de l’inhibition de la vidange gastrique ou encore de la modulation des messages de satiété via des voies neuroendocrines. TGR5 présente également des fonctions immunologiques avec une expression connue dans les cellules de l’immunité telles que les monocytes, les macrophages alvéolaires ou encore les cellules de Kupffer. TGR5 a également été mis en évidence comme régulateur des mécanismes d’inflammations via les macrophages avec une diminution de l’expression des cytokines pro-inflammatoires. A l’opposé, l’activation de TGR5 serait impliquée dans de nombreux processus pathologiques tels que, le développement de carcinomes gastro-intestinaux, les pancréatites, la lithiase biliaire, suggérant un rôle potentiel du récepteur TGR5 dans la régulation de voies de signalisation responsables de la prolifération et de la mort cellulaire [...

Role of bile acids and their receptor TGR5 in the regulation of intestinal and pancreatic somatostatin : functional consequences for human pancreatic islets

Le rôle des acides biliaires a évolué ces dernières années passant de simples molécules solubilisatrices des lipides à des composés à activité métabolique. En plus de leur fonction dans l’absorption des lipides post-repas, ils ont été montrés comme stimulant de nombreuses voies de signalisation modulant l’expression de gènes clefs du métabolisme et de nombreux mécanismes physiologiques via l’activation de récepteurs spécifiques tels que les récepteurs « Farnesoid X receptor » (FXR) et le récepteur membranaire couplé à une protéine G, TGR5. La protéine TGR5 codée par le gène GPBAR1, aussi connue sous le nom de « G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids » (M-BAR) est le premier récepteur couplé à une protéine G spécifique aux acides biliaires ayant été mis en évidence. Cette protéine est exprimée dans de nombreux tissus clefs du métabolisme énergétique tels que les cellules L intestinales, le tissu adipeux, les reins, le muscle squelettique et le pancréas. En réponse à la fixation des acides biliaires au récepteur TGR5, celui-ci va être internalisé et sa sous-unité GαS va être libérée. Ce mécanisme va ensuite activer l’adénylate cyclase et augmenter la production d’AMPc à l’origine de l’activation des voies de signalisations liées à la protéine kinase A (PKA). Une fois activée, la PKA va induire la phosphorylation des protéines « cAMP-response element-binding » (CREB) et permettre la modulation de l’expression de gènes cibles.Ces dernières années de nombreux travaux ont eu pour but d’étudier le rôle du récepteur TGR5 dans le métabolisme. Chez la souris, l’activation du récepteur TGR5 stimule la dépense énergétique dans le tissu adipeux brun et dans le muscle squelettique et prévient le développement de l’obésité et de l’insulino-résistance induites par un régime riche en graisses. Le récepteur TGR5 est également impliqué au niveau des cellules L intestinales sécrétrices du GLP-1. Il y joue un rôle essentiel dans l’homéostasie glucidique via la régulation de l’activité pancréatique, des sécrétions de l’insuline et du glucagon, de l’inhibition de la vidange gastrique ou encore de la modulation des messages de satiété via des voies neuroendocrines. TGR5 présente également des fonctions immunologiques avec une expression connue dans les cellules de l’immunité telles que les monocytes, les macrophages alvéolaires ou encore les cellules de Kupffer. TGR5 a également été mis en évidence comme régulateur des mécanismes d’inflammations via les macrophages avec une diminution de l’expression des cytokines pro-inflammatoires. A l’opposé, l’activation de TGR5 serait impliquée dans de nombreux processus pathologiques tels que, le développement de carcinomes gastro-intestinaux, les pancréatites, la lithiase biliaire, suggérant un rôle potentiel du récepteur TGR5 dans la régulation de voies de signalisation responsables de la prolifération et de la mort cellulaire [...]Bile acids (BAs) have evolved over the years from being considered as simple lipid solubilizers to metabolically active molecules. In addition to their function in dietary lipid absorption, they have also been shown to activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 receptors to initiate signaling pathways and regulate metabolic gene transcription. TGR5 (encoded by the GPBAR1 gene), also known as G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids (M-BAR) or G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1), was the first identified G-protein coupled receptor specific for bile acids. In normal individuals, the highest level of GPBAR1 mRNA expression was reported in the gallbladder, placenta and spleen, followed by moderate expression in other tissues including lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine and adipose tissue, with a relatively low level of expression in kidney, skeletal muscles and pancreas. In response to binding of BAs to the ligand-binding pocket of the TGR5 protein, the TGR5 receptor is internalized and the GαS subunit is released. This mechanism leads to activation of adenylate cyclase and an increase in cAMP production resulting in induction of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Subsequently, PKA phosphorylates the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and enhances the transcription of its target genes in response to extracellular signals.To date, extensive work has been done to investigate the role of TGR5 in metabolism. In rodents, BA-activated TGR5 receptor stimulates energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and prevents obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet. TGR5 is also implicated in intestinal L-cells secreted GLP-1, which plays an essential role in glucose homeostasis through the stimulation of glucose-dependent-insulin-secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying and increasing satiety through neuroendocrine pathways. In terms of the immunological function of TGR5, it is now known that TGR5 is expressed in several immune cells such as monocytes, alveolar macrophages and Kupffer cells. The beneficial effects of TGR5 on macrophage-driven inflammation include reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, thus protecting against atherosclerosis and liver steatosis. On the contrary, TGR5 activation has also been implicated in itch and analgesia, gastrointestinal-tract cell carcinogenesis, pancreatitis, and cholelithiasis, suggesting a potential role for TGR5 as a regulator of signal transduction pathways responsible for cell proliferation and apoptosis. BAs may also influence islet function via both direct and indirect mechanisms as recent studies have shown that Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is expressed by pancreatic beta cells, and regulates insulin signaling in cultured cell lines. Kumar et al., [14] also reported that the TGR5 agonists INT-777 + oleanolic acid (OA) stimulated glucose-mediated insulin release via TGR5 activation, also in cultured cells. Still, little is known about the regulation of TGR5 expression or its involvement in pancreatic hormone secretion in response to physiological or pathological conditions such as T2D, as these studies have been performed mainly in cultured cell lines. In these contexts, the biological function of TGR5 remains enigmatic. The aim of the present study was first to establish the specific expression of TGR5 in human pancreatic islet cell subtypes. Then, a cross-sectional cohort of human islets isolated from individuals with various degrees of insulin resistance was exploited to determine if TGR5 expression and function was modified in T2D. Finally to determine if targeting TGR5 is clinically relevant, human islets were treated in-vitro with a specific agonist of TGR5 or with siRNA directed against TGR5 and hormone secretion assessed to establish whether TGR5 activation or inhibition modulate pancreatic hormone secretion

Role of bile acids and their receptor TGR5 in the regulation of intestinal and pancreatic somatostatin : functional consequences for human pancreatic islets

Le rôle des acides biliaires a évolué ces dernières années passant de simples molécules solubilisatrices des lipides à des composés à activité métabolique. En plus de leur fonction dans l’absorption des lipides post-repas, ils ont été montrés comme stimulant de nombreuses voies de signalisation modulant l’expression de gènes clefs du métabolisme et de nombreux mécanismes physiologiques via l’activation de récepteurs spécifiques tels que les récepteurs « Farnesoid X receptor » (FXR) et le récepteur membranaire couplé à une protéine G, TGR5. La protéine TGR5 codée par le gène GPBAR1, aussi connue sous le nom de « G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids » (M-BAR) est le premier récepteur couplé à une protéine G spécifique aux acides biliaires ayant été mis en évidence. Cette protéine est exprimée dans de nombreux tissus clefs du métabolisme énergétique tels que les cellules L intestinales, le tissu adipeux, les reins, le muscle squelettique et le pancréas. En réponse à la fixation des acides biliaires au récepteur TGR5, celui-ci va être internalisé et sa sous-unité GαS va être libérée. Ce mécanisme va ensuite activer l’adénylate cyclase et augmenter la production d’AMPc à l’origine de l’activation des voies de signalisations liées à la protéine kinase A (PKA). Une fois activée, la PKA va induire la phosphorylation des protéines « cAMP-response element-binding » (CREB) et permettre la modulation de l’expression de gènes cibles.Ces dernières années de nombreux travaux ont eu pour but d’étudier le rôle du récepteur TGR5 dans le métabolisme. Chez la souris, l’activation du récepteur TGR5 stimule la dépense énergétique dans le tissu adipeux brun et dans le muscle squelettique et prévient le développement de l’obésité et de l’insulino-résistance induites par un régime riche en graisses. Le récepteur TGR5 est également impliqué au niveau des cellules L intestinales sécrétrices du GLP-1. Il y joue un rôle essentiel dans l’homéostasie glucidique via la régulation de l’activité pancréatique, des sécrétions de l’insuline et du glucagon, de l’inhibition de la vidange gastrique ou encore de la modulation des messages de satiété via des voies neuroendocrines. TGR5 présente également des fonctions immunologiques avec une expression connue dans les cellules de l’immunité telles que les monocytes, les macrophages alvéolaires ou encore les cellules de Kupffer. TGR5 a également été mis en évidence comme régulateur des mécanismes d’inflammations via les macrophages avec une diminution de l’expression des cytokines pro-inflammatoires. A l’opposé, l’activation de TGR5 serait impliquée dans de nombreux processus pathologiques tels que, le développement de carcinomes gastro-intestinaux, les pancréatites, la lithiase biliaire, suggérant un rôle potentiel du récepteur TGR5 dans la régulation de voies de signalisation responsables de la prolifération et de la mort cellulaire [...]Bile acids (BAs) have evolved over the years from being considered as simple lipid solubilizers to metabolically active molecules. In addition to their function in dietary lipid absorption, they have also been shown to activate farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and TGR5 receptors to initiate signaling pathways and regulate metabolic gene transcription. TGR5 (encoded by the GPBAR1 gene), also known as G-protein-membrane-type receptor for bile acids (M-BAR) or G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1), was the first identified G-protein coupled receptor specific for bile acids. In normal individuals, the highest level of GPBAR1 mRNA expression was reported in the gallbladder, placenta and spleen, followed by moderate expression in other tissues including lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine and adipose tissue, with a relatively low level of expression in kidney, skeletal muscles and pancreas. In response to binding of BAs to the ligand-binding pocket of the TGR5 protein, the TGR5 receptor is internalized and the GαS subunit is released. This mechanism leads to activation of adenylate cyclase and an increase in cAMP production resulting in induction of the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Subsequently, PKA phosphorylates the cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and enhances the transcription of its target genes in response to extracellular signals.To date, extensive work has been done to investigate the role of TGR5 in metabolism. In rodents, BA-activated TGR5 receptor stimulates energy expenditure in brown adipose tissue and skeletal muscle and prevents obesity and insulin resistance induced by a high fat diet. TGR5 is also implicated in intestinal L-cells secreted GLP-1, which plays an essential role in glucose homeostasis through the stimulation of glucose-dependent-insulin-secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion, inhibition of gastric emptying and increasing satiety through neuroendocrine pathways. In terms of the immunological function of TGR5, it is now known that TGR5 is expressed in several immune cells such as monocytes, alveolar macrophages and Kupffer cells. The beneficial effects of TGR5 on macrophage-driven inflammation include reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, thus protecting against atherosclerosis and liver steatosis. On the contrary, TGR5 activation has also been implicated in itch and analgesia, gastrointestinal-tract cell carcinogenesis, pancreatitis, and cholelithiasis, suggesting a potential role for TGR5 as a regulator of signal transduction pathways responsible for cell proliferation and apoptosis. BAs may also influence islet function via both direct and indirect mechanisms as recent studies have shown that Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is expressed by pancreatic beta cells, and regulates insulin signaling in cultured cell lines. Kumar et al., [14] also reported that the TGR5 agonists INT-777 + oleanolic acid (OA) stimulated glucose-mediated insulin release via TGR5 activation, also in cultured cells. Still, little is known about the regulation of TGR5 expression or its involvement in pancreatic hormone secretion in response to physiological or pathological conditions such as T2D, as these studies have been performed mainly in cultured cell lines. In these contexts, the biological function of TGR5 remains enigmatic. The aim of the present study was first to establish the specific expression of TGR5 in human pancreatic islet cell subtypes. Then, a cross-sectional cohort of human islets isolated from individuals with various degrees of insulin resistance was exploited to determine if TGR5 expression and function was modified in T2D. Finally to determine if targeting TGR5 is clinically relevant, human islets were treated in-vitro with a specific agonist of TGR5 or with siRNA directed against TGR5 and hormone secretion assessed to establish whether TGR5 activation or inhibition modulate pancreatic hormone secretion

mTORC1 and mTORC2 regulate insulin secretion through Akt in INS-1 cells

International audienceRegulated associated protein of mTOR (Raptor) and rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (rictor) are two proteins that delineate two different mTOR complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2 respectively. Recent studies demonstrated the role of rictor in the development and function of β-cells. mTORC1 has long been known to impact β-cell function and development. However, most of the studies evaluating its role used either drug treatment (i.e. rapamycin) or modification of expression of proteins known to modulate its activity, and the direct role of raptor in insulin secretion is unclear. In this study, using siRNA, we investigated the role of raptor and rictor in insulin secretion and production in INS-1 cells and the possible cross talk between their respective complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Reduced expression of raptor is associated with increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and intracellular insulin content. Downregulation of rictor expression leads to impaired insulin secretion without affecting insulin content and is able to correct the increased insulin secretion mediated by raptor siRNA. Using dominant-negative or constitutively active forms of Akt, we demonstrate that the effect of both raptor and rictor is mediated through alteration of Akt signaling. Our finding shed new light on the mechanism of control of insulin secretion and production by the mTOR, and they provide evidence for antagonistic effect of raptor and rictor on insulin secretion in response to glucose by modulating the activity of Akt, whereas only raptor is able to control insulin biosynthesis

Photothermally triggered on-demand insulin release from reduced graphene oxide modified hydrogels

International audienceOn-demand delivery of therapeutics plays an essential role in simplifying and improving patient care. The high loading capacity of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for drugs has made this matrix of particular interest for its hybridization with therapeutics. In this work, we describe the formulation of rGO impregnated poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate based hydrogels (PEGDMA-rGO) and their efficient loading with insulin. Near-infrared (NIR) light induced heating of the PEGDMA-rGO hydrogels allows for highly efficient insulin release. Most importantly, we validate that the NIR irradiation of the hydrogel has no effect on the biological and metabolic activities of the released insulin. The ease of insulin loading/reloading makes this photothermally triggered release strategy of interest for diabetic patients. Additionally, the rGO-based protein releasing platform fabricated here can be expanded towards 'on demand' release of various other therapeutically relevant biomolecules. Graphical abstract. The table of contents entry: Poly(ethylene glycol) based hydrogels impregnated with rGO allow efficient loading and 'on demand' photothermal release of insulin while preserving its biological and metabolic activity

Fischer 344 Rat: A Preclinical Model for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Folate-Targeted Therapy

International audienceObjective: Ovarian cancer prognosis remains dire after primary therapy. Recurrence rates are disappointingly high as 60% of women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer considered in remission will develop recurrent disease within 5 years. Special attention to undetected peritoneal metastasis and residual tumorous cells during surgery is necessary as they are the main predictive factors of recurrences. Folate receptor [alpha] (FR[alpha]) shows promising prospects in targeting ovarian cancerous cells. Our aim was to determine if the Fischer model described by Rose et al could be used to evaluate folate-targeted therapies in preclinical studies.Methods: NuTu-19 epithelial ovarian cancer cell line was used to induce peritoneal carcinomatosis in female Fischer 344 rats. FR[alpha] expression by NuTu-19 cells was assessed in vitro by immunofluorescence using "Cytospin(R)" protocol. In vitro folate-targeted compound uptake by NuTu-19 cells was evaluated by incubation of FR[alpha]-positive ovarian cancer cell lines (NuTu-19/SKOV-3/OVCAR-3/IGROV-1) with or without (control) a folate-targeted photosensitizer. Intracellular incorporation was assessed by confocal microscopy. Determination of in vivo FR[alpha] tissue expression by several organs of the peritoneal cavity was studied by immunohistochemistry.Results: NuTu-19 cells express FR[alpha] which allows intracellular incorporation of folate-targeted compound by endocytosis. FR[alpha] is expressed in tumor tissue, ovary, and liver. Peritoneum, colon, small intestine, and kidney do not express the receptor.Conclusions: Female Fischer 344 rat is an inexpensive reproducible and efficient preclinical model to study ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis folate-targeted therapies

Transdermal skin patch based on reduced graphene oxide: A new approach for photothermal triggered permeation of ondansetron across porcine skin

International audienceThe development of a skin-mounted patch capable of controlled transcutaneous delivery of therapeutics through thermal activation provides a unique solution for the controlled release of active principles over long-term periods. Here, we report on a flexible transdermal patch for photothermal triggered release of ondansetron (ODS), a commonly used drug for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and used as model compound here. To achieve this, a dispersion of ODS-loaded reduced graphene oxide (rGO-ODS) nanosheets were deposited onto Kapton to produce a flexible polyimide-based patch. It is demonstrated that ODS loaded Kapton/rGO patches have a high drug delivery performance upon irradiation with a continuous laser beam at 980 nm for 10 min due to an induced photothermal heating effect. The ability of ODS impregnated Kapton/rGO patches as transdermal delivery scaffolds for ODS across the skin is in addition investigated using porcine ear skin as a model. We show that the cumulative quantity and flux of ODS passing the skin are highly depending on the laser power density used. At 5 W cm − 2 irradiation, the ODS flux across pig skin was determined to be 1.6 μg cm − 2 h − 1 comparable to other approaches. The use of tween 20 as skin enhancer could significantly increase the ODS flux to 13.2 μg cm − 2 h − 1. While the skin penetration enhancement is comparable to that obtained using other well-known permeation enhancers, the actual superiority and interest of the proposed approach is that the Kapton/rGO photoactivatable skin patch can be loaded with any drugs and therapeutics of interest, making the approach extremely versatile. The on demand delivery of drugs upon local laser irradiation and the possibility to reload the interface with the drug makes this new drug administration route very appealing

Regulation and functional effects of ZNT8 in human pancreatic islets

International audienceZinc ions are essential for the formation of insulin crystals in pancreatic β cells, thereby contributing to packaging efficiency of stored insulin. Zinc fluxes are regulated through the SLC30A (zinc transporter, ZNT) family. Here, we investigated the effect of metabolic stress associated with the prediabetic state (zinc depletion, glucotoxicity, and lipotoxicity) on ZNT expression and human pancreatic islet function. Both zinc depletion and lipotoxicity (but not glucotoxicity) downregulated ZNT8 ( SLC30A8 ) expression and altered the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion index (GSIS). ZNT8 overexpression in human islets protected them from the decrease in GSIS induced by tetrakis-(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine and palmitate but not from cell death. In addition, zinc supplementation decreased palmitate-induced human islet cell death without restoring GSIS. Altogether, we showed that ZNT8 expression responds to variation in zinc and lipid levels in human β cells, with repercussions on insulin secretion. Prospects for increasing ZNT8 expression and/or activity may prove beneficial in type 2 diabetes in humans

Inhibition of the glucose transporter SGLT2 with dapagliflozin in pancreatic alpha cells triggers glucagon secretion

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from a deficiency in insulin signaling, because of insulin resistance and/or defects in insulin secretion; it is also associated with increases in glucagon and endogenous glucose production (EGP). Gliflozins, including dapagliflozin, are a new class of approved oral antidiabetic agents that specifically inhibit sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) function in the kidney, thus preventing renal glucose reabsorption and increasing glycosuria in diabetic individuals while reducing hyperglycemia. However, gliflozin treatment in subjects with T2D increases both plasma glucagon and EGP by unknown mechanisms. In spite of the rise in EGP, T2D patients treated with gliflozin have lower blood glucose levels than those receiving placebo, possibly because of increased glycosuria; however, the resulting increase in plasma glucagon levels represents a possible concerning side effect, especially in a patient population already affected by hyperglucagonemia. Here we demonstrate that SGLT2 is expressed in glucagon-secreting alpha cells of the pancreatic islets. We further found that expression of SLC5A2 (which encodes SGLT2) was lower and glucagon (GCG) gene expression was higher in islets from T2D individuals and in normal islets exposed to chronic hyperglycemia than in islets from non-diabetics. Moreover, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-α (HNF4A) is specifically expressed in human alpha cells, in which it controls SLC5A2 expression, and its expression is downregulated by hyperglycemia. In addition, inhibition of either SLC5A2 via siRNA-induced gene silencing or SGLT2 via dapagliflozin treatment in human islets triggered glucagon secretion through K ATP channel activation. Finally, we found that dapagliflozin treatment further promotes glucagon secretion and hepatic gluconeogenesis in healthy mice, thereby limiting the decrease of plasma glucose induced by fasting. Collectively, these results identify a heretofore unknown role of SGLT2 and designate dapagliflozin an alpha cell secretagogue.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe