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Analysis of Beta-cell Function Using Single-cell Resolution Calcium Imaging in Zebrafish Islets
Published on: July 3, 2018
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How β cells can smell insulin fragments
Amin Ardestani1, Kathrin Maedler2
1Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany; Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Cell Metabolism
|February 2, 2022
Summary
Researchers found that olfactory receptor Olfr109 in beta cells is linked to diabetes. Its activation by an insulin fragment promotes inflammation and beta cell dysfunction, worsening diabetes progression.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
- Immunology
Background:
- Olfactory receptors are typically associated with smell but are increasingly found in non-sensory tissues.
- Beta cell dysfunction is a key feature of diabetes mellitus.
- Obesity and diabetes are associated with chronic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of olfactory receptor Olfr109 in pancreatic beta cells.
- To determine the impact of Olfr109 activation on islet inflammation and beta cell function in diabetes models.
Main Methods:
- Expression analysis of Olfr109 in islets from mouse models of obesity and type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
- Investigating the binding of insulin fragments to Olfr109.
- Assessing the effects of Olfr109 activation on islet inflammation and beta cell failure.
Main Results:
- Olfactory receptor Olfr109 is expressed in beta cells and its expression is elevated in mouse models of obesity and diabetes.
- A small insulin fragment binds to Olfr109.
- Olfr109 activation by insulin fragments leads to islet inflammation, beta cell failure, and progression of diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Olfactory receptor Olfr109 is a novel player in the pathophysiology of diabetes.
- Targeting Olfr109 may offer a new therapeutic strategy for managing diabetes and its complications.
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