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Sorting nexin 19 regulates the number of dense core vesicles in pancreatic β-cells

Shin-Ichi Harashima1, Takahiko Horiuchi2, Yu Wang1

  • 1Department of Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto.

Abstract

Insights

Sorting nexin 19 (SNX19) stabilizes dense core vesicles (DCV) in pancreatic beta cells, regulating insulin secretion and content. This finding clarifies the mechanism by which insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2) influences insulin production.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Insulinoma-associated protein 2 (IA-2) is known to regulate insulin secretion and dense core vesicle (DCV) numbers in pancreatic beta cells.
  • The precise mechanism by which IA-2 controls DCV numbers remains largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of sorting nexin 19 (SNX19), a protein interacting with IA-2, in regulating insulin secretion and DCV numbers.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of SNX19-mediated regulation of DCV stability and insulin content.

Main Methods:

  • Stable SNX19 knockdown (SNX19KD) and SNX19-reintroduced MIN6 mouse pancreatic beta cell lines were generated.
  • Quantification of DCV and lysosomes was performed using electron microscopy.
  • DCV half-life was assessed via pulse-chase experiments, and lysosomal activity was measured.

Main Results:

  • SNX19 knockdown significantly decreased insulin secretion, content, and DCV number (by ~75%) and size (by ~40%) in MIN6 cells.
  • Reintroduction of SNX19 restored insulin levels, secretion, and DCV numbers.
  • SNX19 knockdown increased lysosome numbers and cathepsin D activity, while decreasing DCV half-life; SNX19 reintroduction reversed these effects.

Conclusions:

  • SNX19 plays a critical role in stabilizing DCVs within pancreatic beta cells.
  • SNX19 regulates insulin content and secretion by modulating DCV stability, providing a key mechanistic insight into IA-2 function.

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