1
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Osonoi S, Takebe T. Organoid-guided precision hepatology for metabolic liver disease. J Hepatol 2024; 80:805-821. [PMID: 38237864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease affects millions of people worldwide. Progress towards a definitive cure has been incremental and treatment is currently limited to lifestyle modification. Hepatocyte-specific lipid accumulation is the main trigger of lipotoxic events, driving inflammation and fibrosis. The underlying pathology is extraordinarily heterogenous, and the manifestations of steatohepatitis are markedly influenced by metabolic communications across non-hepatic organs. Synthetic human tissue models have emerged as powerful platforms to better capture the mechanistic diversity in disease progression, while preserving person-specific genetic traits. In this review, we will outline current research efforts focused on integrating multiple synthetic tissue models of key metabolic organs, with an emphasis on organoid-based systems. By combining functional genomics and population-scale en masse profiling methodologies, human tissues derived from patients can provide insights into personalised genetic, transcriptional, biochemical, and metabolic states. These collective efforts will advance our understanding of steatohepatitis and guide the development of rational solutions for mechanism-directed diagnostic and therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Osonoi
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, 036-8562, Japan
| | - Takanori Takebe
- Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; WPI Premium Institute for Human Metaverse Medicine (WPI-PRIMe) and Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Institute of Research, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo 113-8510, Japan; Communication Design Center, Advanced Medical Research Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan.
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2
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Oropeza D, Herrera PL. Glucagon-producing α-cell transcriptional identity and reprogramming towards insulin production. Trends Cell Biol 2024; 34:180-197. [PMID: 37626005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
β-Cell replacement by in situ reprogramming of non-β-cells is a promising diabetes therapy. Following the observation that near-total β-cell ablation in adult mice triggers the reprogramming of pancreatic α-, δ-, and γ-cells into insulin (INS)-producing cells, recent studies are delving deep into the mechanisms controlling adult α-cell identity. Systematic analyses of the α-cell transcriptome and epigenome have started to pinpoint features that could be crucial for maintaining α-cell identity. Using different transgenic and chemical approaches, significant advances have been made in reprogramming α-cells in vivo into INS-secreting cells in mice. The recent reprogramming of human α-cells in vitro is an important step forward that must now be complemented with a comprehensive molecular dissection of the mechanisms controlling α-cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oropeza
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Luis Herrera
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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3
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Wortham M, Ramms B, Zeng C, Benthuysen JR, Sai S, Pollow DP, Liu F, Schlichting M, Harrington AR, Liu B, Prakash TP, Pirie EC, Zhu H, Baghdasarian S, Auwerx J, Shirihai OS, Sander M. Metabolic control of adaptive β-cell proliferation by the protein deacetylase SIRT2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.24.581864. [PMID: 38464227 PMCID: PMC10925077 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.24.581864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Selective and controlled expansion of endogenous β-cells has been pursued as a potential therapy for diabetes. Ideally, such therapies would preserve feedback control of β-cell proliferation to avoid excessive β-cell expansion and an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Here, we identified a regulator of β-cell proliferation whose inactivation results in controlled β-cell expansion: the protein deacetylase Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2). Sirt2 deletion in β-cells of mice increased β-cell proliferation during hyperglycemia with little effect in homeostatic conditions, indicating preservation of feedback control of β-cell mass. SIRT2 restrains proliferation of human islet β-cells cultured in glucose concentrations above the glycemic set point, demonstrating conserved SIRT2 function. Analysis of acetylated proteins in islets treated with a SIRT2 inhibitor revealed that SIRT2 deacetylates enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, dampening the adaptive increase in oxygen consumption during hyperglycemia. At the transcriptomic level, Sirt2 inactivation has context-dependent effects on β-cells, with Sirt2 controlling how β-cells interpret hyperglycemia as a stress. Finally, we provide proof-of-principle that systemic administration of a GLP1-coupled Sirt2-targeting antisense oligonucleotide achieves β-cell selective Sirt2 inactivation and stimulates β-cell proliferation under hyperglycemic conditions. Overall, these studies identify a therapeutic strategy for increasing β-cell mass in diabetes without circumventing feedback control of β-cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Wortham
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bastian Ramms
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Chun Zeng
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline R. Benthuysen
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Somesh Sai
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis P. Pollow
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Fenfen Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Schlichting
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Austin R. Harrington
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bradley Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thazha P. Prakash
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Elaine C Pirie
- Department of Antisense Drug Discovery, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, USA
| | - Han Zhu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Siyouneh Baghdasarian
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrated Systems Physiology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Orian S. Shirihai
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular & Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maike Sander
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Pediatric Diabetes Research Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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4
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Guo YC, Cao HD, Lian XF, Wu PX, Zhang F, Zhang H, Lu DH. Molecular mechanisms of noncoding RNA and epigenetic regulation in obesity with consequent diabetes mellitus development. World J Diabetes 2023; 14:1621-1631. [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v14.i11.1621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity have become two of the most prevalent and challenging diseases worldwide, with increasing incidence and serious complications. Recent studies have shown that noncoding RNA (ncRNA) and epigenetic regulation play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of DM complicated by obesity. Identification of the involvement of ncRNA and epigenetic regulation in the pathogenesis of diabetes with obesity has opened new avenues of investigation. Targeting these mechanisms with small molecules or RNA-based therapies may provide a more precise and effective approach to diabetes treatment than traditional therapies. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of ncRNA and epigenetic regulation and their potential therapeutic targets, and the research prospects for DM complicated with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chen Guo
- Department of Endo-crinology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao-Di Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Fen Lian
- Department of Endo-crinology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Pei-Xian Wu
- Department of Endo-crinology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Endo-crinology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Dong-Hui Lu
- Department of Endo-crinology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, Guangdong Province, China
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5
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Rai V, Le H, Agrawal DK. Novel mediators regulating angiogenesis in diabetic foot ulcer healing. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:488-501. [PMID: 37459652 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
A non-healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a debilitating clinical problem amounting to socioeconomic and psychosocial burdens. DFUs increase morbidity due to prolonged treatment and mortality in the case of non-treatable ulcers resulting in gangrene and septicemia. The overall amputation rate of the lower extremity with DFU ranges from 3.34% to 42.83%. Wound debridement, antibiotics, applying growth factors, negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, topical oxygen, and skin grafts are common therapies for DFU. However, recurrence and nonhealing ulcers are still major issues. Chronicity of inflammation, hypoxic environment, poor angiogenesis, and decreased formation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are common impediments leading to nonhealing patterns of DFUs. Angiogenesis is crucial for wound healing since proper vessel formation facilitates nutrients, oxygen, and immune cells to the ulcer tissue to help in clearing out debris and facilitate healing. However, poor angiogenesis due to decreased expression of angiogenic mediators and matrix formation results in nonhealing and ultimately amputation. Multiple proangiogenic mediators and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy exist to enhance angiogenesis, but the results are not satisfactory. Thus, there is a need to investigate novel pro-angiogenic mediators that can either alone or in combination enhance the angiogenesis and healing of DFUs. In this article, we critically reviewed the existing pro-angiogenic mediators followed by potentially novel factors that might play a regulatory role in promoting angiogenesis and wound healing in DFUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikrant Rai
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Hoangvi Le
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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6
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Cha J, Aguayo-Mazzucato C, Thompson PJ. Pancreatic β-cell senescence in diabetes: mechanisms, markers and therapies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212716. [PMID: 37720527 PMCID: PMC10501801 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a response to a wide variety of stressors, including DNA damage, oncogene activation and physiologic aging, and pathologically accelerated senescence contributes to human disease, including diabetes mellitus. Indeed, recent work in this field has demonstrated a role for pancreatic β-cell senescence in the pathogenesis of Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and monogenic diabetes. Small molecule or genetic targeting of senescent β-cells has shown promise as a novel therapeutic approach for preventing and treating diabetes. Despite these advances, major questions remain around the molecular mechanisms driving senescence in the β-cell, identification of molecular markers that distinguish senescent from non-senescent β-cell subpopulations, and translation of proof-of-concept therapies into novel treatments for diabetes in humans. Here, we summarize the current state of the field of β-cell senescence, highlighting insights from mouse models as well as studies on human islets and β-cells. We identify markers that have been used to detect β-cell senescence to unify future research efforts in this field. We discuss emerging concepts of the natural history of senescence in β-cells, heterogeneity of senescent β-cells subpopulations, role of sex differences in senescent responses, and the consequences of senescence on integrated islet function and microenvironment. As a young and developing field, there remain many open research questions which need to be addressed to move senescence-targeted approaches towards clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyeon Cha
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | | | - Peter J. Thompson
- Diabetes Research Envisioned and Accomplished in Manitoba Theme, Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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7
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Kobiita A, Silva PN, Schmid MW, Stoffel M. FoxM1 coordinates cell division, protein synthesis, and mitochondrial activity in a subset of β cells during acute metabolic stress. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112986. [PMID: 37590136 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic β cells display functional and transcriptional heterogeneity in health and disease. The sequence of events leading to β cell heterogeneity during metabolic stress is poorly understood. Here, we characterize β cell responses to early metabolic stress in vivo by employing RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq), single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and real-time imaging to decipher temporal events of chromatin remodeling and gene expression regulating the unfolded protein response (UPR), protein synthesis, mitochondrial function, and cell-cycle progression. We demonstrate that a subpopulation of β cells with active UPR, decreased protein synthesis, and insulin secretary capacities is more susceptible to proliferation after insulin depletion. Alleviation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress precedes the progression of the cell cycle and mitosis and ensures appropriate insulin synthesis. Furthermore, metabolic stress rapidly activates key transcription factors including FoxM1, which impacts on proliferative and quiescent β cells by regulating protein synthesis, ER stress, and mitochondrial activity via direct repression of mitochondrial-encoded genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Kobiita
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pamuditha N Silva
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marc W Schmid
- MWSchmid GmbH, Hauptstrasse 34, 8750 Glarus, Switzerland
| | - Markus Stoffel
- Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zürich, Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Medical Faculty, Universitäts-Spital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
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8
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Cha J, Tong X, Walker EM, Dahan T, Cochrane VA, Ashe S, Russell R, Osipovich AB, Mawla AM, Guo M, Liu JH, Loyd ZA, Huising MO, Magnuson MA, Hebrok M, Dor Y, Stein R. Species-specific roles for the MAFA and MAFB transcription factors in regulating islet β cell identity. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e166386. [PMID: 37606041 PMCID: PMC10543725 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with compromised identity of insulin-producing pancreatic islet β cells, characterized by inappropriate production of other islet cell-enriched hormones. Here, we examined how hormone misexpression was influenced by the MAFA and MAFB transcription factors, closely related proteins that maintain islet cell function. Mice specifically lacking MafA in β cells demonstrated broad, population-wide changes in hormone gene expression with an overall gene signature closely resembling islet gastrin+ (Gast+) cells generated under conditions of chronic hyperglycemia and obesity. A human β cell line deficient in MAFB, but not one lacking MAFA, also produced a GAST+ gene expression pattern. In addition, GAST was detected in human T2D β cells with low levels of MAFB. Moreover, evidence is provided that human MAFB can directly repress GAST gene transcription. These results support a potentially novel, species-specific role for MafA and MAFB in maintaining adult mouse and human β cell identity, respectively. Here, we discuss the possibility that induction of Gast/GAST and other non-β cell hormones, by reduction in the levels of these transcription factors, represents a dysfunctional β cell signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeeyeon Cha
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily M. Walker
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tehila Dahan
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Veronica A. Cochrane
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sudipta Ashe
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ronan Russell
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anna B. Osipovich
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Alex M. Mawla
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Min Guo
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jin-hua Liu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Zachary A. Loyd
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Mark O. Huising
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, College of Biological Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Mark A. Magnuson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yuval Dor
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roland Stein
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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9
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Nishiyama K, Ono M, Tsuno T, Inoue R, Fukunaka A, Okuyama T, Kyohara M, Togashi Y, Fukushima S, Atsumi T, Sato A, Tsurumoto A, Sakai C, Fujitani Y, Terauchi Y, Ito S, Shirakawa J. Protective Effects of Imeglimin and Metformin Combination Therapy on β-Cells in db/db Male Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad095. [PMID: 37314160 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Imeglimin and metformin act in metabolic organs, including β-cells, via different mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the impacts of imeglimin, metformin, or their combination (Imeg + Met) on β-cells, the liver, and adipose tissues in db/db mice. Imeglimin, metformin, or Imeg + Met treatment had no significant effects on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, respiratory exchange ratio, or locomotor activity in db/db mice. The responsiveness of insulin secretion to glucose was recovered by Imeg + Met treatment. Furthermore, Imeg + Met treatment increased β-cell mass by enhancing β-cell proliferation and ameliorating β-cell apoptosis in db/db mice. Hepatic steatosis, the morphology of adipocytes, adiposity assessed by computed tomography, and the expression of genes related to glucose or lipid metabolism and inflammation in the liver and fat tissues showed no notable differences in db/db mice. Global gene expression analysis of isolated islets indicated that the genes related to regulation of cell population proliferation and negative regulation of cell death were enriched by Imeg + Met treatment in db/db islets. In vitro culture experiments confirmed the protective effects of Imeg + Met against β-cell apoptosis. The expression of Snai1, Tnfrsf18, Pdcd1, Mmp9, Ccr7, Egr3, and Cxcl12, some of which have been linked to apoptosis, in db/db islets was attenuated by Imeg + Met. Treatment of a β-cell line with Imeg + Met prevented apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide or palmitate. Thus, the combination of imeglimin and metformin is beneficial for the maintenance of β-cell mass in db/db mice, probably through direct action on β-cells, suggesting a potential strategy for protecting β-cells in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuniyuki Nishiyama
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Masato Ono
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsuno
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ryota Inoue
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Ayako Fukunaka
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Metabolism, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Tomoko Okuyama
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Mayu Kyohara
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Yu Togashi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Setsuko Fukushima
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Takuto Atsumi
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Aoi Sato
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Asuka Tsurumoto
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Chisato Sakai
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Yoshio Fujitani
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology and Metabolism, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terauchi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
| | - Jun Shirakawa
- Laboratory of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation (IMCR), Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8512, Japan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama City University, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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10
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Goode RA, Hum JM, Kalwat MA. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Pancreatic Islet β-Cell Proliferation, Regeneration, and Replacement. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6836713. [PMID: 36412119 PMCID: PMC9923807 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes results from insufficient insulin production by pancreatic islet β-cells or a loss of β-cells themselves. Restoration of regulated insulin production is a predominant goal of translational diabetes research. Here, we provide a brief overview of recent advances in the fields of β-cell proliferation, regeneration, and replacement. The discovery of therapeutic targets and associated small molecules has been enabled by improved understanding of β-cell development and cell cycle regulation, as well as advanced high-throughput screening methodologies. Important findings in β-cell transdifferentiation, neogenesis, and stem cell differentiation have nucleated multiple promising therapeutic strategies. In particular, clinical trials are underway using in vitro-generated β-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells. Significant challenges remain for each of these strategies, but continued support for efforts in these research areas will be critical for the generation of distinct diabetes therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy A Goode
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Julia M Hum
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael A Kalwat
- Correspondence: Michael A. Kalwat, PhD, Lilly Diabetes Center of Excellence, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, 1210 Waterway Blvd, Suite 2000, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. or
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