Insufficient TRPM5 Mediates Lipotoxicity-induced Pancreatic β-cell Dysfunction

Kai-Yuan Wang1, Shi-Mei Wu1, Zheng-Jian Yao1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.

PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lipotoxicity, caused by high-fat diets, reduces TRPM5 expression in pancreatic beta cells, leading to impaired insulin secretion and beta-cell dysfunction. Restoring TRPM5 levels can reverse these harmful effects.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) reduction is observed in type 2 diabetic mouse models.
  • The specific role of TRPM5 in lipotoxicity-induced pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TRPM5 in pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction induced by lipotoxicity.

Main Methods:

  • Examined TRPM5 expression in pancreatic islets from high-fat-diet (HFD) fed mice using immunofluorescence.
  • Induced lipotoxicity in primary mouse islets and MIN6 cells using palmitate (Palm).
  • Assessed TRPM5 expression via qRT-PCR and Western blotting, and measured glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) after Trpm5 knockdown or overexpression.

Main Results:

  • HFD feeding and palmitate treatment significantly decreased TRPM5 mRNA and protein levels in pancreatic islets and MIN6 cells.
  • Trpm5 knockdown impaired GSIS but did not affect insulin biosynthesis.
  • Trpm5 overexpression reversed palmitate-induced GSIS defects and restored beta-cell maturation markers.

Conclusions:

  • Lipotoxicity inhibits TRPM5 expression in pancreatic beta cells both in vivo and in vitro.
  • Reduced TRPM5 expression is a key mechanism driving lipotoxicity-induced beta-cell dysfunction.