1
|
Yang YHC, Briant LJB, Raab CA, Mullapudi ST, Maischein HM, Kawakami K, Stainier DYR. Innervation modulates the functional connectivity between pancreatic endocrine cells. eLife 2022; 11:64526. [PMID: 35373736 PMCID: PMC9007585 DOI: 10.7554/elife.64526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of pancreatic endocrine cell activity modulation by autonomic innervation has been debated. To investigate this question, we established an in vivo imaging model that also allows chronic and acute neuromodulation with genetic and optogenetic tools. Using the GCaMP6s biosensor together with endocrine cell fluorescent reporters, we imaged calcium dynamics simultaneously in multiple pancreatic islet cell types in live animals in control states and upon changes in innervation. We find that by 4 days post fertilization in zebrafish, a stage when islet architecture is reminiscent of that in adult rodents, prominent activity coupling between beta cells is present in basal glucose conditions. Furthermore, we show that both chronic and acute loss of nerve activity result in diminished beta–beta and alpha–beta activity coupling. Pancreatic nerves are in contact with all islet cell types, but predominantly with beta and delta cells. Surprisingly, a subset of delta cells with detectable peri-islet neural activity coupling had significantly higher homotypic coupling with other delta cells suggesting that some delta cells receive innervation that coordinates their output. Overall, these data show that innervation plays a vital role in the maintenance of homotypic and heterotypic cellular connectivity in pancreatic islets, a process critical for islet function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | | | - Christopher A Raab
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sri Teja Mullapudi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Maischein
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
MacDonald AJ, Yang YHC, Cruz AM, Beall C, Ellacott KLJ. Brain-Body Control of Glucose Homeostasis-Insights From Model Organisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:662769. [PMID: 33868184 PMCID: PMC8044781 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.662769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight regulation of blood glucose is essential for long term health. Blood glucose levels are defended by the correct function of, and communication between, internal organs including the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and brain. Critically, the brain is sensitive to acute changes in blood glucose level and can modulate peripheral processes to defend against these deviations. In this mini-review we highlight select key findings showcasing the utility, strengths, and limitations of model organisms to study brain-body interactions that sense and control blood glucose levels. First, we discuss the large platform of genetic tools available to investigators studying mice and how this field may yet reveal new modes of communication between peripheral organs and the brain. Second, we discuss how rats, by virtue of their size, have unique advantages for the study of CNS control of glucose homeostasis and note that they may more closely model some aspects of human (patho)physiology. Third, we discuss the nascent field of studying the CNS control of blood glucose in the zebrafish which permits ease of genetic modification, large-scale measurements of neural activity and live imaging in addition to high-throughput screening. Finally, we briefly discuss glucose homeostasis in drosophila, which have a distinct physiology and glucoregulatory systems to vertebrates.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mullapudi ST, Boezio GLM, Rossi A, Marass M, Matsuoka RL, Matsuda H, Helker CSM, Yang YHC, Stainier DYR. Disruption of the pancreatic vasculature in zebrafish affects islet architecture and function. Development 2019; 146:dev.173674. [PMID: 31597659 DOI: 10.1242/dev.173674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A dense local vascular network is crucial for pancreatic endocrine cells to sense metabolites and secrete hormones, and understanding the interactions between the vasculature and the islets may allow for therapeutic modulation in disease conditions. Using live imaging in two models of vascular disruption in zebrafish, we identified two distinct roles for the pancreatic vasculature. At larval stages, expression of a dominant negative version of Vegfaa (dnVegfaa) in β-cells led to vascular and endocrine cell disruption with a minor impairment in β-cell function. In contrast, expression of a soluble isoform of Vegf receptor 1 (sFlt1) in β-cells blocked the formation of the pancreatic vasculature and drastically stunted glucose response, although islet architecture was not affected. Notably, these effects of dnVegfaa or sFlt1 were not observed in animals lacking vegfaa, vegfab, kdrl, kdr or flt1 function, indicating that they interfere with multiple ligands and/or receptors. In adults, disrupted islet architecture persisted in dnVegfaa-expressing animals, whereas sFlt1-expressing animals displayed large sheets of β-cells along their pancreatic ducts, accompanied by impaired glucose tolerance in both models. Thus, our study reveals novel roles for the vasculature in patterning and function of the islet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sri Teja Mullapudi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Giulia L M Boezio
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Andrea Rossi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Michele Marass
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Ryota L Matsuoka
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hiroki Matsuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Christian S M Helker
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mullapudi ST, Helker CS, Boezio GL, Maischein HM, Sokol AM, Guenther S, Matsuda H, Kubicek S, Graumann J, Yang YHC, Stainier DY. Screening for insulin-independent pathways that modulate glucose homeostasis identifies androgen receptor antagonists. eLife 2018; 7:42209. [PMID: 30520733 PMCID: PMC6300353 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathways modulating glucose homeostasis independently of insulin would open new avenues to combat insulin resistance and diabetes. Here, we report the establishment, characterization, and use of a vertebrate ‘insulin-free’ model to identify insulin-independent modulators of glucose metabolism. insulin knockout zebrafish recapitulate core characteristics of diabetes and survive only up to larval stages. Utilizing a highly efficient endoderm transplant technique, we generated viable chimeric adults that provide the large numbers of insulin mutant larvae required for our screening platform. Using glucose as a disease-relevant readout, we screened 2233 molecules and identified three that consistently reduced glucose levels in insulin mutants. Most significantly, we uncovered an insulin-independent beneficial role for androgen receptor antagonism in hyperglycemia, mostly by reducing fasting glucose levels. Our study proposes therapeutic roles for androgen signaling in diabetes and, more broadly, offers a novel in vivo model for rapid screening and decoupling of insulin-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Diabetes is a disease that affects the ability of the body to control the level of sugar in the blood. Individuals with diabetes are unable to make a hormone called insulin – which normally stimulates certain cells to absorb sugar from the blood – or their cells are less able to respond to this hormone. Most treatments for diabetes involve replacing the lost insulin or boosting the hormone’s activity in the body. However, these treatments can also cause individuals to gain weight or become more resistant to insulin, making it harder to control blood sugar levels. In addition to insulin, several other factors regulate the levels of sugar in the blood and some of them may operate independently of insulin. However, little is known about such factors because it is impractical to carry out large-scale screens to identify drugs that target them in humans or mice, which are often used as experimental models for human biology. To overcome this challenge, Mullapudi et al. turned to another animal known as the zebrafish and generated mutant fish that lack insulin. The mutant zebrafish had similar problems with regulating sugar levels as those observed in humans and mice with diabetes. This observation suggests that insulin is just as important in zebrafish as it is in humans and other mammals. The mutant zebrafish did not survive into adulthood, and so Mullapudi et al. transplanted healthy tissue into the zebrafish to allow them to produce enough insulin to survive. These adult zebrafish produced many offspring that still carried the insulin mutation. Mullapudi et al. used these mutant offspring to screen over 2,000 drugs for their ability to decrease blood sugar levels in the absence of insulin. The screen identified three promising candidate drugs, including a molecule that interferes with a receptor for a signal known as androgen. These findings will help researchers investigate new ways to treat diabetes. In the future, the screening approach developed by Mullapudi et al. could be adapted to search for new drugs to treat other human metabolic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sri Teja Mullapudi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Christian Sm Helker
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Giulia Lm Boezio
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Maischein
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Anna M Sokol
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Guenther
- ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hiroki Matsuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubicek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Didier Yr Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Matsuda H, Mullapudi ST, Yang YHC, Masaki H, Hesselson D, Stainier DYR. Whole-Organism Chemical Screening Identifies Modulators of Pancreatic β-Cell Function. Diabetes 2018; 67:2268-2279. [PMID: 30115653 DOI: 10.2337/db17-1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
β-Cell loss and dysfunction play a critical role in the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Identifying new molecules and/or molecular pathways that improve β-cell function and/or increase β-cell mass should significantly contribute to the development of new therapies for diabetes. Using the zebrafish model, we screened 4,640 small molecules to identify modulators of β-cell function. This in vivo strategy identified 84 stimulators of insulin expression, which simultaneously reduced glucose levels. The insulin promoter activation kinetics for 32 of these stimulators were consistent with a direct mode of action. A subset of insulin stimulators, including the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone, induced the coordinated upregulation of gluconeogenic pck1 expression, suggesting functional response to increased insulin action in peripheral tissues. Notably, Kv1.3 inhibitors increased β-cell mass in larval zebrafish and stimulated β-cell function in adult zebrafish and in the streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mouse model. In addition, our data indicate that cytoplasmic Kv1.3 regulates β-cell function. Thus, using whole-organism screening, we have identified new small-molecule modulators of β-cell function and glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Matsuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sri Teja Mullapudi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hideki Masaki
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
β-Cell loss and dysfunction play a critical role in the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Identifying new molecules and/or molecular pathways that improve β-cell function and/or increase β-cell mass should significantly contribute to the development of new therapies for diabetes. Using the zebrafish model, we screened 4,640 small molecules to identify modulators of β-cell function. This in vivo strategy identified 84 stimulators of insulin expression, which simultaneously reduced glucose levels. The insulin promoter activation kinetics for 32 of these stimulators were consistent with a direct mode of action. A subset of insulin stimulators, including the antidiabetic drug pioglitazone, induced the coordinated upregulation of gluconeogenic pck1 expression, suggesting functional response to increased insulin action in peripheral tissues. Notably, Kv1.3 inhibitors increased β-cell mass in larval zebrafish and stimulated β-cell function in adult zebrafish and in the streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic mouse model. In addition, our data indicate that cytoplasmic Kv1.3 regulates β-cell function. Thus, using whole-organism screening, we have identified new small-molecule modulators of β-cell function and glucose metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Matsuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Sri Teja Mullapudi
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hideki Masaki
- Division of Stem Cell Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Hesselson
- Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yang YHC, Kawakami K, Stainier DY. A new mode of pancreatic islet innervation revealed by live imaging in zebrafish. eLife 2018; 7:34519. [PMID: 29916364 PMCID: PMC6039180 DOI: 10.7554/elife.34519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islets are innervated by autonomic and sensory nerves that influence their function. Analyzing the innervation process should provide insight into the nerve-endocrine interactions and their roles in development and disease. Here, using in vivo time-lapse imaging and genetic analyses in zebrafish, we determined the events leading to islet innervation. Comparable neural density in the absence of vasculature indicates that it is dispensable for early pancreatic innervation. Neural crest cells are in close contact with endocrine cells early in development. We find these cells give rise to neurons that extend axons toward the islet as they surprisingly migrate away. Specific ablation of these neurons partly prevents other neurons from migrating away from the islet resulting in diminished innervation. Thus, our studies establish the zebrafish as a model to interrogate mechanisms of organ innervation, and reveal a novel mode of innervation whereby neurons establish connections with their targets before migrating away.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Japan
| | - Didier Yr Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Szabat M, Modi H, Ramracheya R, Girbinger V, Chan F, Lee JTC, Piske M, Kamal S, Carol Yang YH, Welling A, Rorsman P, Johnson JD. High-content screening identifies a role for Na(+) channels in insulin production. R Soc Open Sci 2015; 2:150306. [PMID: 27019722 PMCID: PMC4807443 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.150306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Insulin production is the central feature of functionally mature and differentiated pancreatic β-cells. Reduced insulin transcription and dedifferentiation have been implicated in type 2 diabetes, making drugs that could reverse these processes potentially useful. We have previously established ratiometric live-cell imaging tools to identify factors that increase insulin promoter activity and promote β-cell differentiation. Here, we present a single vector imaging tool with eGFP and mRFP, driven by the Pdx1 and Ins1 promoters, respectively, targeted to the nucleus to enhance identification of individual cells in a high-throughput manner. Using this new approach, we screened 1120 off-patent drugs for factors that regulate Ins1 and Pdx1 promoter activity in MIN6 β-cells. We identified a number of compounds that positively modulate Ins1 promoter activity, including several drugs known to modulate ion channels. Carbamazepine was selected for extended follow-up, as our previous screen also identified this use-dependent sodium channel inhibitor as a positive modulator of β-cell survival. Indeed, carbamazepine increased Ins1 and Ins2 mRNA in primary mouse islets at lower doses than were required to protect β-cells. We validated the role of sodium channels in insulin production by examining Nav1.7 (Scn9a) knockout mice and remarkably islets from these animals had dramatically elevated insulin content relative to wild-type controls. Collectively, our experiments provide a starting point for additional studies aimed to identify drugs and molecular pathways that control insulin production and β-cell differentiation status. In particular, our unbiased screen identified a novel role for a β-cell sodium channel gene in insulin production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Szabat
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Honey Modi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Reshma Ramracheya
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Vroni Girbinger
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Technischen Universität, 80802 München, Germany
| | - Forson Chan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Jason T. C. Lee
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Micah Piske
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Sepehr Kamal
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Andrea Welling
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Toxikologie der Technischen Universität, 80802 München, Germany
| | - Patrik Rorsman
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington OX3 7LE, UK
| | - James D. Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z3
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yang YHC, Wills QF, Johnson JD. A live-cell, high-content imaging survey of 206 endogenous factors across five stress conditions reveals context-dependent survival effects in mouse primary beta cells. Diabetologia 2015; 58:1239-49. [PMID: 25773404 PMCID: PMC4415993 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-015-3552-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Beta cell death is a hallmark of diabetes. It is not known whether specific cellular stresses associated with type 1 or type 2 diabetes require specific factors to protect pancreatic beta cells. No systematic comparison of endogenous soluble factors in the context of multiple pro-apoptotic conditions has been published. METHODS Primary mouse islet cells were cultured in conditions mimicking five type 1 or type 2 diabetes-related stresses: basal 5 mmol/l glucose, cytokine cocktail (25 ng/ml TNF-α, 10 ng/ml IL-1β, 10 ng/ml IFN-γ), 1 μmol/l thapsigargin, 1.5 mmol/l palmitate and 20 mmol/l glucose (all in the absence of serum). We surveyed the effects of a library of 206 endogenous factors (selected based on islet expression of their receptors) on islet cell survival through multi-parameter, live-cell imaging. RESULTS Our survey pointed to survival factors exhibiting generalised protective effects across conditions meant to model different types of diabetes and stages of the diseases. For example, our survey and follow-up experiments suggested that OLFM1 is a novel protective factor for mouse and human beta cells across multiple conditions. Most strikingly, we also found specific protective survival factors for each model stress condition. For example, semaphorin4A (SEMA4A) was toxic to islet cells in the serum-free baseline and serum-free 20 mmol/l glucose conditions, but protective in the context of lipotoxicity. Rank product testing supported the consistency of our observations. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Collectively, our survey reveals previously unidentified islet cell survival factors and suggest their potential utility in individualised medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Diabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 5358-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Quin F. Wills
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - James D. Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Diabetes Research Group, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 5358-2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC Canada V6T 1Z3
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chan MT, Lim GE, Skovsø S, Yang YHC, Albrecht T, Alejandro EU, Hoesli CA, Piret JM, Warnock GL, Johnson JD. Effects of insulin on human pancreatic cancer progression modeled in vitro. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:814. [PMID: 25373319 PMCID: PMC4233074 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most lethal cancers, yet it remains understudied and poorly understood. Hyperinsulinemia has been reported to be a risk factor of pancreatic cancer, and the rapid rise of hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes foreshadows a rise in cancer incidence. However, the actions of insulin at the various stages of pancreatic cancer progression remain poorly defined. Methods Here, we examined the effects of a range of insulin doses on signalling, proliferation and survival in three human cell models meant to represent three stages in pancreatic cancer progression: primary pancreatic duct cells, the HPDE immortalized pancreatic ductal cell line, and the PANC1 metastatic pancreatic cancer cell line. Cells were treated with a range of insulin doses, and their proliferation/viability were tracked via live cell imaging and XTT assays. Signal transduction was assessed through the AKT and ERK signalling pathways via immunoblotting. Inhibitors of AKT and ERK signalling were used to determine the relative contribution of these pathways to the survival of each cell model. Results While all three cell types responded to insulin, as indicated by phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, we found that there were stark differences in insulin-dependent proliferation, cell viability and cell survival among the cell types. High concentrations of insulin increased PANC1 and HPDE cell number, but did not alter primary duct cell proliferation in vitro. Cell survival was enhanced by insulin in both primary duct cells and HPDE cells. Moreover, we found that primary cells were more dependent on AKT signalling, while HPDE cells and PANC1 cells were more dependent on RAF/ERK signalling. Conclusions Our data suggest that excessive insulin signalling may contribute to proliferation and survival in human immortalized pancreatic ductal cells and metastatic pancreatic cancer cells, but not in normal adult human pancreatic ductal cells. These data suggest that signalling pathways involved in cell survival may be rewired during pancreatic cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - James D Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rezania A, Bruin JE, Arora P, Rubin A, Batushansky I, Asadi A, O'Dwyer S, Quiskamp N, Mojibian M, Albrecht T, Yang YHC, Johnson JD, Kieffer TJ. Reversal of diabetes with insulin-producing cells derived in vitro from human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Biotechnol 2014; 32:1121-33. [PMID: 25211370 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1018] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Transplantation of pancreatic progenitors or insulin-secreting cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) has been proposed as a therapy for diabetes. We describe a seven-stage protocol that efficiently converts hESCs into insulin-producing cells. Stage (S) 7 cells expressed key markers of mature pancreatic beta cells, including MAFA, and displayed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion similar to that of human islets during static incubations in vitro. Additional characterization using single-cell imaging and dynamic glucose stimulation assays revealed similarities but also notable differences between S7 insulin-secreting cells and primary human beta cells. Nevertheless, S7 cells rapidly reversed diabetes in mice within 40 days, roughly four times faster than pancreatic progenitors. Therefore, although S7 cells are not fully equivalent to mature beta cells, their capacity for glucose-responsive insulin secretion and rapid reversal of diabetes in vivo makes them a promising alternative to pancreatic progenitor cells or cadaveric islets for the treatment of diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Rezania
- BetaLogics Venture, Janssen R&D LLC, Raritan, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jennifer E Bruin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Payal Arora
- BetaLogics Venture, Janssen R&D LLC, Raritan, New Jersey, USA
| | - Allison Rubin
- BetaLogics Venture, Janssen R&D LLC, Raritan, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Ali Asadi
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shannon O'Dwyer
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nina Quiskamp
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Majid Mojibian
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tobias Albrecht
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James D Johnson
- 1] Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [2] Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Timothy J Kieffer
- 1] Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. [2] Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yang YHC, Vilin YY, Roberge M, Kurata HT, Johnson JD. Multiparameter screening reveals a role for Na+ channels in cytokine-induced β-cell death. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:406-17. [PMID: 24438339 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic β-cell death plays a role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but clinical treatments that specifically target β-cell survival have not yet been developed. We have recently developed live-cell imaging-based, high-throughput screening methods capable of identifying factors that modulate pancreatic β-cell death, with the hope of finding drugs that can intervene in this process. In the present study, we used a high-content screen and the Prestwick Chemical Library of small molecules to identify drugs that block cell death resulting from exposure to a cocktail of cytotoxic cytokines (25 ng/mL TNF-α, 10 ng/mL IL-1β, and 10 ng/mL IFN-γ). Data analysis with self-organizing maps revealed that 19 drugs had profiles similar to that of the no cytokine condition, indicating protection. Carbamazepine, an antiepileptic Na(+) channel inhibitor, was particularly interesting because Na(+) channels are not generally considered targets for antiapoptotic therapy in diabetes and because the function of these channels in β-cells has not been well studied. We analyzed the expression and characteristics of Na(+) currents in mature β-cells from MIP-GFP mice. We confirmed the dose-dependent protective effects of carbamazepine and another use-dependent Na(+) channel blocker in cytokine-treated mouse islet cells. Carbamazepine down-regulated the proapoptotic and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling induced by cytokines. Together, these studies point to Na(+) channels as a novel therapeutic target in diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences (Y.H.C.Y., J.D.J.), Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics (Y.Y.V., H.T.K.), and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (M.R.), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang YHC, Manning Fox JE, Zhang KL, MacDonald PE, Johnson JD. Intraislet SLIT-ROBO signaling is required for beta-cell survival and potentiates insulin secretion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:16480-5. [PMID: 24065825 PMCID: PMC3799350 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1214312110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously cataloged putative autocrine/paracrine signaling loops in pancreatic islets, including factors best known for their roles in axon guidance. Emerging evidence points to nonneuronal roles for these factors, including the Slit-Roundabout receptor (Robo) family, in cell growth, migration, and survival. We found SLIT1 and SLIT3 in both beta cells and alpha cells, whereas SLIT2 was predominantly expressed in beta cells. ROBO1 and ROBO2 receptors were detected in beta and alpha cells. Remarkably, even modest knockdown of Slit production resulted in significant beta-cell death, demonstrating a critical autocrine/paracrine survival role for this pathway. Indeed, recombinant SLIT1, SLIT2, and SLIT3 decreased serum deprivation, cytokine, and thapsigargin-induced cell death under hyperglycemic conditions. SLIT treatment also induced a gradual release of endoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca(2+), suggesting a unique molecular mechanism capable of protecting beta cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. SLIT treatment was also associated with rapid actin remodeling. SLITs potentiated glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and increased the frequency of glucose-induced Ca(2+) oscillations. These observations point to unexpected roles for local Slit secretion in the survival and function of pancreatic beta cells. Because diabetes results from a deficiency in functional beta-cell mass, these studies may contribute to therapeutic approaches for improving beta-cell survival and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3; and
| | - Jocelyn E. Manning Fox
- Department of Pharmacology and Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E1
| | - Kevin L. Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3; and
| | - Patrick E. MacDonald
- Department of Pharmacology and Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2E1
| | - James D. Johnson
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3; and
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang YHC, Johnson JD. Multi-parameter single-cell kinetic analysis reveals multiple modes of cell death in primary pancreatic β-cells. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:4286-95. [PMID: 23843629 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.133017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Programmed β-cell death plays an important role in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Most of what is known about the mechanisms of β-cell death comes from single time-point, single parameter measurements of bulk populations of mixed cells. Such approaches are inadequate for determining the true extent of the heterogeneity in death mechanisms. Here, we characterized the timing and order of molecular events associated with cell death in single β-cells under multiple diabetic stress conditions, including hyperglycemia, cytokine exposure, nutrient deprivation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We simultaneously measured the kinetics of six distinct cell death mechanisms by using a caspase-3 sensor and three vital dyes, together with brightfield imaging. We identified several cell death modes where the order of events that usually define apoptosis were not observed. This we termed 'partial apoptosis'. Remarkably, complete classical apoptosis, defined as cells with plasma membrane blebbing, caspase-3 activity, nuclear condensation and membrane annexin V labeling prior to loss of plasma membrane integrity, was found in only half of the cytokine-treated primary β-cells and never in cells stressed by serum removal. By contrast, in the MIN6 cell line, death occurred almost exclusively through complete classical apoptosis. Ambient glucose modulated the cell death mode and kinetics in primary β-cells. Taken together, our data define the kinetic progression of β-cell death mechanisms under different conditions and illustrate the heterogeneity and plasticity of cell death modes in β-cells. We conclude that apoptosis is not the primary mode of adult primary β-cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hsuan Carol Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Centre, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Carol Yang YH, Johnson JD. Multi-parameter Live Cell Tracking of Apoptotic and Non-apoptotic Beta-cell Death: High-content Screening for Factors that Prevent Beta-cell Apoptosis. Can J Diabetes 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2012.07.462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
16
|
Yang YHC, Szabat M, Bragagnini C, Kott K, Helgason CD, Hoffman BG, Johnson JD. Paracrine signalling loops in adult human and mouse pancreatic islets: netrins modulate beta cell apoptosis signalling via dependence receptors. Diabetologia 2011; 54:828-42. [PMID: 21212933 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-010-2012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Adult pancreatic islets contain multiple cell types that produce and secrete well characterised hormones, including insulin, glucagon and somatostatin. Although it is increasingly apparent that islets release and respond to more secreted factors than previously thought, systematic analyses are lacking. We therefore sought to identify potential autocrine and/or paracrine islet growth factor loops, and to characterise the function of the netrin family of islet-secreted factors and their receptors, which have been previously unreported in adult islets. METHODS Gene expression databases, islet-specific tag sequencing libraries and microarray datasets of FACS purified beta cells were used to compile a list of secreted factors and receptors present in mouse or human islets. Netrins and their receptors were further assessed using RT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. The roles of netrin-1 and netrin-4 in beta cell function, apoptosis and proliferation were also examined. RESULTS We identified 233 secreted factors and 234 secreted factor receptors in islets. The presence of netrins and their receptors was further confirmed. Downregulation of caspase-3 activation was observed when MIN6 cells were exposed to exogenous netrin-1 and netrin-4 under hyperglycaemic conditions. Reduction in caspase-3 cleavage was linked to the decrease in dependence receptors, neogenin and unc-5 homologue A, as well as the activation of Akt and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signalling. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Our results highlight the large number of potential islet growth factors and point to a context-dependent pro-survival role for netrins in adult beta cells. Since diabetes results from a deficiency in functional beta cell mass, these studies are important steps towards developing novel therapies to improve beta cell survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y H C Yang
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, 5358 Life Sciences Building, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lin CL, Lieu AS, Lee KS, Yang YHC, Kuo TH, Hung MH, Loh JK, Yen CP, Chang CZ, Howng SL, Hwang SL. The conditional probabilities of survival in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma multiforme. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003; 60:402-6; discussion 406. [PMID: 14572960 DOI: 10.1016/s0090-3019(03)00322-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND By the use of conditional probabilities of survival, we studied the yearly survival rates for individual tumor survivors. METHODS Conditional survival rate was estimated in 114 consecutive patients with anaplastic astrocytoma or glioblastoma multiforme. Conditional probabilities of surviving some years given survival to a specific period of time after craniotomy and 95% confidence intervals were calculated in the individual tumor survivors. RESULTS The estimated median survival was 30 months for 45 patients with anaplastic astrocytoma and 12 months for 69 patients with glioblastoma multiforme. The conditional probabilities of surviving next one year given survival to 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, or 5 years after craniotomy for anaplastic astrocytoma were 86.2%, 75.0%, 85.9%, 77.8%, or 85.7%, respectively; for glioblastoma multiforme 64.8%, 58.7%, 85.7%, 80.0%, or 75.0%, respectively. The conditional probability of surviving to 5 years given survival to 2 years after craniotomy for anaplastic astrocytoma, i.e., surviving an additional 3 years, was 50.1%, which was better than observed 5-year survival rate (28.6%); for glioblastoma multiforme it was 40.2%, which also was better than observed 5-year survival rate (12.4%). CONCLUSIONS The conditional probability of survival was a good method to clinically predict yearly survival rate for individual tumor survivors. In addition, the method can estimate the probabilities of surviving next some years given survival to a specific period of time after craniotomy. It also showed a more encouraging result than observed survival rate in patients with supratentorial malignant astrocytomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L Lin
- Division of Neurosurgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|