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Updated: May 14, 2026

Leprdb Mouse Model of Type 2 Diabetes: Pancreatic Islet Isolation and Live-cell 2-Photon Imaging Of Intact Islets
Published on: May 11, 2015
Sirtuin 3 regulates mouse pancreatic beta cell function and is suppressed in pancreatic islets isolated from human
P W Caton1, S J Richardson, J Kieswich
1Centre for Diabetes, Blizard Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, 4 Newark Street, London E1 2AT, UK. p.w.caton@qmul.ac.uk
Aims/Hypothesis:
Sirtuin (SIRT)3 is a mitochondrial protein deacetylase that regulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and exerts anti-inflammatory effects. As chronic inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction are key factors mediating pancreatic beta cell impairment in type 2 diabetes, we investigated the role of SIRT3 in the maintenance of beta cell function and mass in type 2 diabetes.
Methods:
We analysed changes in SIRT3 expression in experimental models of type 2 diabetes and in human islets isolated from type 2 diabetic patients. We also determined the effects of SIRT3 knockdown on beta cell function and mass in INS1 cells.
Results:
SIRT3 expression was markedly decreased in islets isolated from type 2 diabetes patients, as well as in mouse islets or INS1 cells incubated with IL1β and TNFα. SIRT3 knockdown in INS1 cells resulted in lowered insulin secretion, increased beta cell apoptosis and reduced expression of key beta cell genes. SIRT3 knockdown also blocked the protective effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide on pro-inflammatory cytokines in beta cells. The deleterious effects of SIRT3 knockdown were mediated by increased levels of cellular ROS and IL1β.
Conclusions/Interpretation:
Decreased beta cell SIRT3 levels could be a key step in the onset of beta cell dysfunction, occurring via abnormal elevation of ROS levels and amplification of beta cell IL1β synthesis. Strategies to increase the activity or levels of SIRT3 could generate attractive therapies for type 2 diabetes.
Insights
Decreased Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) in pancreatic beta cells contributes to type 2 diabetes by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Restoring SIRT3 levels may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for type 2 diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial biology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetes research
Background:
- Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a mitochondrial deacetylase regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation.
- Pancreatic beta cell dysfunction, driven by inflammation and mitochondrial issues, is central to type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate SIRT3's role in maintaining pancreatic beta cell function and mass in type 2 diabetes.
- To explore SIRT3 as a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of SIRT3 expression in experimental type 2 diabetes models and human diabetic islets.
- Assessment of SIRT3 knockdown effects on beta cell function and mass in INS1 cells.
Main Results:
- SIRT3 expression was significantly reduced in type 2 diabetic human islets and experimental models.
- SIRT3 knockdown in INS1 cells impaired insulin secretion, increased apoptosis, and reduced key gene expression.
- SIRT3 knockdown exacerbated ROS and IL1β levels, blocking protective effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide.
Conclusions:
- Reduced beta cell SIRT3 is a critical factor in type 2 diabetes onset, mediated by elevated ROS and IL1β.
- Therapeutic strategies targeting SIRT3 activity or levels present a promising avenue for type 2 diabetes treatment.
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