Regulation of human insulin gene expression in transgenic mice

Insulin is a polypeptide hormone of major physiological importance in the regulation of fuel homeostasis in animals (reviewed in refs 1,2). It is synthesized by the beta-cells of pancreatic islets, and circulating insulin levels are regulated by several small molecules, notably glucose, amino acids, fatty acids and certain pharmacological agents. Insulin consists of two polypeptide chains (A and B, linked by disulphide bonds) that are derived from the proteolytic cleavage of proinsulin, generating equimolar amounts of the mature insulin and a connecting peptide (C-peptide). Humans, like most vertebrates, contain one proinsulin gene, although several species, including mice and rats, have two highly homologous insulin genes. We have studied the regulation of serum insulin levels and of insulin gene expression by generating a series of transgenic mice containing the human insulin gene. We report here that the human insulin gene is expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the islets of these transgenic mice, and that serum human insulin levels are properly regulated by glucose, amino acids and tolbutamide, an oral hypoglycaemic agent.     

Glucose modulates Mg2+ fluxes in pancreatic islet cells

Magnesium, the most abundant intracellular divalent cation, is an essential cofactor for many enzyme systems, but it remains unknown as to whether variations in the cytoplasmic concentration of ionized Mg2+ directly control cellular processes. Experiments with adrenal medullary cells made 'leaky' by exposure to high electric fields provided evidence that Mg2+ could influence hormone release not only by competing with Ca2+ for entry into the cell, but also at intracellular sites controlling exocytosis. A similar conclusion was reached for insulin release in a study using isolated rat islets also subjected to high voltage discharges. There is no experimental evidence, however, that physiological stimuli influence Mg2+ movements in intact secretory cells. We report here that 28Mg2+ fluxes in pancreatic islet cells are markedly modified by glucose, the physiological stimulus of insulin release, but not by its non-insulinotropic analogue, 3-O-methylglucose.     

A nuclear-receptor-dependent phosphatidylcholine pathway with antidiabetic effects

Nuclear hormone receptors regulate diverse metabolic pathways and the orphan nuclear receptor LRH-1 (also known as NR5A2) regulates bile acid biosynthesis. Structural studies have identified phospholipids as potential LRH-1 ligands, but their functional relevance is unclear. Here we show that an unusual phosphatidylcholine species with two saturated 12 carbon fatty acid acyl side chains (dilauroyl phosphatidylcholine (DLPC)) is an LRH-1 agonist ligand in vitro. DLPC treatment induces bile acid biosynthetic enzymes in mouse liver, increases bile acid levels, and lowers hepatic triglycerides and serum glucose. DLPC treatment also decreases hepatic steatosis and improves glucose homeostasis in two mouse models of insulin resistance. Both the antidiabetic and lipotropic effects are lost in liver-specific Lrh-1 knockouts. These findings identify an LRH-1 dependent phosphatidylcholine signalling pathway that regulates bile acid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.     

Mitochondrial glutamate acts as a messenger in glucose-induced insulin exocytosis

The hormone insulin is stored in secretory granules and released from the pancreatic beta-cells by exocytosis. In the consensus model of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, ATP is generated by mitochondrial metabolism, promoting closure of ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, which depolarizes the plasma membrane. Subsequently, opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels increases the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) which constitutes the main trigger initiating insulin exocytosis. Nevertheless, the Ca2+ signal alone is not sufficient for sustained secretion. Furthermore, glucose elicits a secretory response under conditions of clamped, elevated [Ca2+]c. A mitochondrial messenger must therefore exist which is distinct from ATP. We have now identified this as glutamate. We show that glucose generates glutamate from beta-cell mitochondria. A membrane-permeant glutamate analogue sensitizes the glucose-evoked secretory response, acting downstream of mitochondrial metabolism. In permeabilized cells, under conditions of fixed [Ca2+]c, added glutamate directly stimulates insulin exocytosis, independently of mitochondrial function. Glutamate uptake by the secretory granules is likely to be involved, as inhibitors of vesicular glutamate transport suppress the glutamate-evoked exocytosis. These results demonstrate that glutamate acts as an intracellular messenger that couples glucose metabolism to insulin secretion.     

Essential roles of PI(3)K-p110beta in cell growth, metabolism and tumorigenesis

On activation by receptors, the ubiquitously expressed class IA isoforms (p110alpha and p110beta) of phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI(3)K) generate lipid second messengers, which initiate multiple signal transduction cascades. Recent studies have demonstrated specific functions for p110alpha in growth factor and insulin signalling. To probe for distinct functions of p110beta, we constructed conditional knockout mice. Here we show that ablation of p110beta in the livers of the resulting mice leads to impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, while having little effect on phosphorylation of Akt, suggesting the involvement of a kinase-independent role of p110beta in insulin metabolic action. Using established mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we found that removal of p110beta also had little effect on Akt phosphorylation in response to stimulation by insulin and epidermal growth factor, but resulted in retarded cell proliferation. Reconstitution of p110beta-null cells with a wild-type or kinase-dead allele of p110beta demonstrated that p110beta possesses kinase-independent functions in regulating cell proliferation and trafficking. However, the kinase activity of p110beta was required for G-protein-coupled receptor signalling triggered by lysophosphatidic acid and had a function in oncogenic transformation. Most strikingly, in an animal model of prostate tumour formation induced by Pten loss, ablation of p110beta (also known as Pik3cb), but not that of p110alpha (also known as Pik3ca), impeded tumorigenesis with a concomitant diminution of Akt phosphorylation. Taken together, our findings demonstrate both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent functions for p110beta, and strongly indicate the kinase-dependent functions of p110beta as a promising target in cancer therapy.     

The lipid phosphatase SHIP2 controls insulin sensitivity

Insulin is the primary hormone involved in glucose homeostasis, and impairment of insulin action and/or secretion has a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. Type-II SH2-domain-containing inositol 5-phosphatase, or 'SHIP2', is a member of the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase family. In vitro studies have shown that SHIP2, in response to stimulation by numerous growth factors and insulin, is closely linked to signalling events mediated by both phosphoinositide-3-OH kinase and Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase. Here we report the generation of mice lacking the SHIP2 gene. Loss of SHIP2 leads to increased sensitivity to insulin, which is characterized by severe neonatal hypoglycaemia, deregulated expression of the genes involved in gluconeogenesis, and perinatal death. Adult mice that are heterozygous for the SHIP2 mutation have increased glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity associated with an increased recruitment of the GLUT4 glucose transporter and increased glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles. Our results show that SHIP2 is a potent negative regulator of insulin signalling and insulin sensitivity in vivo.     

Glucose-inhibition of glucagon secretion involves activation of GABAA-receptor chloride channels

The endocrine part of the pancreas plays a central role in blood-glucose regulation. It is well established that an elevation of glucose concentration reduces secretion of the hyperglycaemia-associated hormone glucagon from pancreatic alpha 2 cells. The mechanisms involved, however, remain unknown. Electrophysiological studies have demonstrated that alpha 2 cells generate Ca2+-dependent action potentials. The frequency of these action potentials, which increases under conditions that stimulate glucagon release, is not affected by glucose or insulin. The inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is present in the endocrine part of the pancreas at concentrations comparable to those encountered in the central nervous system, and co-localizes with insulin in pancreatic beta cells. We now describe a mechanism whereby GABA, co-secreted with insulin from beta cells, may mediate part of the inhibitory action of glucose on glucagon secretion by activating GABAA-receptor Cl- channels in alpha 2 cells. These observations provide a model for feedback regulation of glucagon release, which may be of significance for the understanding of the hypersecretion of glucagon frequently associated with diabetes.     

Hypoinsulinaemia, glucose intolerance and diminished beta-cell size in S6K1-deficient mice

Insulin controls glucose homeostasis by regulating glucose use in peripheral tissues, and its own production and secretion in pancreatic beta cells. These responses are largely mediated downstream of the insulin receptor substrates, IRS-1 and IRS-2 (refs 4-8), through distinct signalling pathways. Although a number of effectors of these pathways have been identified, their roles in mediating glucose homeostasis are poorly defined. Here we show that mice deficient for S6 kinase 1, an effector of the phosphatidylinositide-3-OH kinase signalling pathway, are hypoinsulinaemic and glucose intolerant. Whereas insulin resistance is not observed in isolated muscle, such mice exhibit a sharp reduction in glucose-induced insulin secretion and in pancreatic insulin content. This is not due to a lesion in glucose sensing or insulin production, but to a reduction in pancreatic endocrine mass, which is accounted for by a selective decrease in beta-cell size. The observed phenotype closely parallels those of preclinical type 2 diabetes mellitus, in which malnutrition-induced hypoinsulinaemia predisposes individuals to glucose intolerance.     

胰岛素瘤切除术后对血清激素、癌胚抗原水平及胰岛功能的影响

探究了胰岛素瘤切除术前后患者血清激素、癌胚抗原(carcinoembryonic antigen,CEA)及胰岛功能指标水平变化,发现术后1d患者胰岛β细胞功能指数(homeostasis model assessment-β,HOMA-β)、胰岛素敏感性指数(insulin sensitivity index,ISI...     

Effects of breakfast with different calorigenic amounts on blood glucose, insulin and glucagon levels

This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between breakfast and serum glucose, insulin and glucagon concentrations in order to establish a model breakfast appropriate for Chinese. Twenty-four volunteers were randomly assigned to four study groups: high carbohydrate breakfast, high fat and protein breakfast, the typical breakfast and fasting. Each subject had serum and urine samples collected while fasting and at 1,2 and 3.5 hours following the meal. The concentration of serum glucose, insulin and glucagon was measured. The levels of serum glucose in group A, B and C differed significantly at 1 and 2 hour after meal compared to those at fasting (P<0.05). The serum glucose in group A increased insignificantly after meal. The serum insulin levels were in group A, B and C significant different compared with control group(P<0.05).Those peaked at 1 hour after meal, with group C rising the furthest. Compared with the fasting group, the serum glucagons rose and maintained the increase after breakfast in group A, B and C (P<0.05). The data suggested that various diets with different calorigenic amounts increased hormone concentration to various extents. We found that a breakfast rich in carbohydrates could maintain proper blood glucose level.     

部分水解瓜尔豆胶对高脂高糖饮食诱导小鼠代谢紊乱的调节作用

部分水解瓜尔豆胶(partially hydrolyzed guar gum,PHGG)是一种有益于代谢平衡的可溶性膳食纤维,但其对糖脂代谢紊乱的调节效果及其潜在机制尚不明确。利用高脂高糖饮食诱导小鼠16周,使其产生明显的脂代谢紊乱和胰岛素抵抗,进一步通过检测小鼠糖耐量、血清生化指标、脂肪形态、肠道短链脂肪酸及相关mRNA的表达,考察PHGG对模型小鼠的糖脂代谢稳态及肠道环境的调节作用。结果表明:长期高脂高糖饮食条件下,PHGG组小鼠比模型组小鼠的体质量增长率减缓,空腹血糖降低,葡萄糖耐量和胰岛素耐量显著提升；血清中的甘油三酯、总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇和游离脂肪酸可分别降低21.56%、32.67%、25.66%和22.91%,明显抑制了脂肪积累。PHGG将肠道胰高血糖素样肽-1的分泌提升并恢复到67.76pmol/L,盲肠中的丁酸含量比模型组提升了7.14倍。定量PCR显示,PHGG干预后小鼠短链脂肪酸受体GPR43的蛋白表达水平比模型组提升了63.30%。本研究表明,PHGG通过调节短链脂肪酸影响脂联素、胰岛素的分泌,进而改善高脂高糖饮食引起的糖脂代谢紊乱,可以应用于辅助糖脂代谢调控的功能性食品开发中。     

Loss of pancreatic islet tolerance induced by beta-cell expression of interferon-gamma

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is produced during the response to infection and participates in immunostimulatory events. We have previously reported the induction of diabetes in transgenic mice (ins-IFN-gamma) in which the expression of the lymphokine IFN-gamma is directed by the insulin promoter. This diabetes is a result of the progressive destruction of pancreatic islets that occurs with the influx of inflammatory cells. Here we demonstrate that this islet cell loss is mediated by lymphocytes, that engrafted histocompatible islets are destroyed, and that lymphocytes from the transgenic mice are cytotoxic to normal islets in vitro. These results indicate that the pancreatic expression of IFN-gamma can result in a loss of tolerance to normal islets, consistent with its role as an inducer of costimulatory activity, which is essential for lymphocyte activation during an immune response.     

补肾活血颗粒对多囊卵巢综合征大鼠血清性激素水平、 血糖及胰岛素的影响

目的 观察补肾活血颗粒对多囊卵巢综合征（PCOS）模型大鼠血清性激素水平、血糖及胰岛素的影响。方法 采用颈背部皮下注射脱氢表雄酮（DHEA）造模法建立PCOS大鼠模型,将72只雌性SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组、二甲双胍组、中药高剂量组、中药中剂量组、中药低剂量组,每组12只,各组给予相应药物连续灌胃 20 d,用酶联免疫吸附测定法测定血清17-羟孕酮（17-OHP）、促黄体生成素（LH）、睾酮（T）、促卵泡素（FSH）、空腹 血糖（FPG）及胰岛素（INS）水平。结果模型组血清中17-OHP、LH、T、FSH、FPG、INS水平明显高于正常对照组 (P<0.01 ,P<0. 05 ),中药高剂量组降低大鼠血清LH、T、FSH及INS水平最为明显(P<0.01),二甲双胍组、中药中剂量组显著降低FPG（P<0. 01）,中药各治疗组均能降低17-OHP（P<0. 05）。结论 补肾活血颗粒能对PCOS 大鼠有一定的治疗作用,可改善激素水平、血糖及胰岛素的异常     

游泳运动治疗对T2DM焦虑样行为小鼠的影响

为研究游泳运动对二型糖尿病（type 2 diabetes mellitus, T2DM）小鼠的焦虑样行为的影响机制。通过高脂联合链脲佐菌素构建T2DM小鼠,随机分为正常组（control,C）,正常+锻炼（exercise, E）组（CE）,T2DM组（T2）,T2DM+锻炼组（T2E）。CE组和T2E组的小鼠进行游泳运动,并观察小鼠体重、血糖波动,行为学焦虑、胰腺病理和血清谷胱甘肽（glutathione,GSH）、丙二醛（malondialdehyde,MDA）和谷胱甘肽二硫醚（glutathione?disulfide,GSSG）的表达变化。结果表明： 在游泳运动3周后显著降低T2DM小鼠体重和血糖波动幅度（P<0.05）,行为学焦虑水平明显改善。CE组和T2E组小鼠胰岛坏死面积减小,葡萄糖和胰岛素抵抗稳态指数降低（P<0.001）,T2E组小鼠大脑MDA水平降低（P<0.05）,GSH水平升高（P<0.01）。游泳运动可以改善T2DM小鼠的胰岛素抵抗和大脑氧化应激反应,对焦虑样行为有改善和保护作用。     

Paracrine Wingless signalling controls self-renewal of Drosophila intestinal stem cells

In the Drosophila midgut, multipotent intestinal stem cells (ISCs) that are scattered along the epithelial basement membrane maintain tissue homeostasis by their ability to steadily produce daughters that differentiate into either enterocytes or enteroendocrine cells, depending on the levels of Notch activity. However, the mechanisms controlling ISC self-renewal remain elusive. Here we show that a canonical Wnt signalling pathway controls ISC self-renewal. The ligand Wingless (Wg) is specifically expressed in the circular muscles next to ISCs, separated by a thin layer of basement membrane. Reduced function of wg causes ISC quiescence and differentiation, whereas wg overexpression produces excessive ISC-like cells that express high levels of the Notch ligand, Delta. Clonal analysis shows that the main downstream components of the Wg pathway, including Frizzled, Dishevelled and Armadillo, are autonomously required for ISC self-renewal. Furthermore, epistatic analysis suggests that Notch acts downstream of the Wg pathway and a hierarchy of Wg/Notch signalling pathways controls the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of ISCs. These data suggest that the underlying circular muscle constitutes the ISC niche, which produce Wg signals that act directly on ISCs to promote ISC self-renewal. This study demonstrates markedly conserved mechanisms regulating ISCs from Drosophila to mammals. The identification of the Drosophila ISC niche and the principal self-renewal signal will facilitate further understanding of intestinal homeostasis control and tumorigenesis.     

高糖诱导人脐血间充质干细胞向胰岛样细胞分化

目的:探讨脐血间充质干细胞向胰岛样细胞分化的潜能.方法:分离脐血有核细胞,将其置于MesencultTM培养基中进行培养,并利用贴壁法进行纯化、扩增.扩增后的脐血间充质干细胞用含体积分数5%胎牛血清的H-DMEM持续诱导.采用胰岛素免疫荧光染色对诱导后的细胞进行鉴定,定量检测胰岛素分泌水平及其对葡萄糖刺激的反应性.结果:诱导后,细胞形态发生明显变化,变圆而且聚集成团;细胞的胰岛素免疫荧光染色为阳性;而且细胞能分泌少量胰岛素,并对糖刺激具有反应性.结论:在高糖环境中,脐血间充质干细胞具有向胰岛样细胞分化的潜能.     

IRS-2 pathways integrate female reproduction and energy homeostasis

Severe dietary restriction, catabolic states and even short-term caloric deprivation impair fertility in mammals. Likewise, obesity is associated with infertile conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. The reproductive status of lower organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans is also modulated by availability of nutrients. Thus, fertility requires the integration of reproductive and metabolic signals. Here we show that deletion of insulin receptor substrate-2 (IRS-2), a component of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 signalling cascade, causes female infertility. Mice lacking IRS-2 have small, anovulatory ovaries with reduced numbers of follicles. Plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, prolactin and sex steroids are low in these animals. Pituitaries are decreased in size and contain reduced numbers of gonadotrophs. Females lacking IRS-2 have increased food intake and obesity, despite elevated levels of leptin. Our findings indicate that insulin, together with leptin and other neuropeptides, may modulate hypothalamic control of appetite and reproductive endocrinology. Coupled with findings on the role of insulin-signalling pathways in the regulation of fertility, metabolism and longevity in C. elegans and Drosophila, we have identified an evolutionarily conserved mechanism in mammals that regulates both reproduction and energy homeostasis.     

小檗碱和葛根素对卵巢颗粒细胞胰岛素抵抗的调控

 建立了体外的卵巢胰岛素抵抗模型。从卵巢内分子水平探讨胰岛素信号传导和促性腺激素信号传导的相互关系,揭示多囊卵巢综合征患者糖代谢异常和生殖功能障碍的关系;通过药物筛选得出两味中药增敏剂,与西药增敏剂进行了对照研究,探讨了其对卵巢颗粒细胞功能的影响。