The transcription factor SREBP-1c is instrumental in the development of beta-cell dysfunction.

Accumulation of lipids in non-adipose tissues is often associated with Type 2 diabetes and its complications. Elevated expression of the lipogenic transcription factor, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), has been demonstrated in islets and liver of diabetic animals. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SREBP-1c-induced beta-cell dysfunction, we employed the Tet-On inducible system to achieve tightly controlled and conditional expression of the nuclear active form of SREBP-1c (naSREBP-1c) in INS-1 cells. Controlled expression of naSREBP-1c induced massive accumulation of lipid droplets and blunted nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion in INS-1 cells. K(+)-evoked insulin exocytosis was unaltered. Quantification of the gene expression profile in this INS-1 stable clone revealed that naSREBP-1c induced beta-cell dysfunction by targeting multiple genes dedicated to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid biosynthesis, cell growth, and apoptosis. naSREBP-1c elicits cell growth-arrest and eventually apoptosis. We also found that the SREBP-1c processing in beta-cells was irresponsive to acute stimulation of glucose and insulin, which was distinct from that in lipogenic tissues. However, 2-day exposure to these agents promoted SREBP-1c processing. Therefore, the SREBP-1c maturation could be implicated in the pathogenesis of beta-cell glucolipotoxicity.

Experimental models of transcription factor-associated maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

Six monogenic forms of maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) have been identified to date. Except for MODY2 (glucokinase), all other MODY subtypes have been linked to transcription factors. We have established a MODY3 transgenic model through the beta-cell-targeted expression of dominant-negative HNF-1alpha either constitutively (rat insulin II promoter) or conditionally (Tet-On system). The animals display either overt diabetes or glucose intolerance. Decreased insulin secretion and reduced pancreatic insulin content contribute to the hyperglycemic state. The conditional approach in INS-1 cells helped to define new molecular targets of hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha. In the cellular system, nutrient-induced insulin secretion was abolished because of impaired glucose metabolism. Conditional suppression of HNF-4alpha, the MODY1 gene, showed a similar phenotype in INS-1 cells to HNF-1alpha. The existence of a regulatory circuit between HNF-4alpha and HNF-1alpha is confirmed in these cell models. The MODY4 gene, IPF-1 (insulin promoter factor-1)/PDX-1 (pancreas duodenum homeobox-1), controls not only the transcription of insulin but also expression of enzymes involved in its processing. Suppression of Pdx-1 function in INS-1 cells does not alter glucose metabolism but rather inhibits insulin release by impairing steps distal to the generation of mitochondrial coupling factors. The presented experimental models are important tools for the elucidation of the beta-cell pathogenesis in MODY syndromes.

Foxa2 (HNF3beta ) controls multiple genes implicated in metabolism-secretion coupling of glucose-induced insulin release.

The transcription factor Foxa2 is implicated in blood glucose homeostasis. Conditional expression of Foxa2 or its dominant-negative mutant DN-Foxa2 in INS-1 cells reveals that Foxa2 regulates the expression of genes important for glucose sensing in pancreatic beta-cells. Overexpression of Foxa2 results in blunted glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, whereas induction of DN-Foxa2 causes a left shift of glucose-induced insulin release. The mRNA levels of GLUT2 and glucokinase are drastically decreased after induction of Foxa2. In contrast, loss of Foxa2 function leads to up-regulation of hexokinase (HK) I and II and glucokinase (HK-IV) mRNA expression. The glucokinase and the low K(m) hexokinase activities as well as glycolysis are increased proportionally. In addition, induction of DN-Foxa2 also reduces the expression of beta-cell K(ATP) channel subunits Sur1 and Kir6.2 by 70%. Furthermore, in contrast to previous reports, induction of Foxa2 causes pronounced decreases in the HNF4alpha and HNF1alpha mRNA levels. Foxa2 fails to regulate the expression of Pdx1 transcripts. The expression of insulin and islet amyloid polypeptide is markedly suppressed after induction of Foxa2, while the glucagon mRNA levels are significantly increased. Conversely, Foxa2 is required for glucagon expression in these INS-1-derived cells. These results suggest that Foxa2 is a vital transcription factor evolved to control the expression of genes essential for maintaining beta-cell glucose sensing and glucose homeostasis.