MOTS-c modulates pancreatic islet function in rats and pigs in vitro

Area of Science:

• Metabolic Regulation
• Endocrinology
• Mitochondrial Biology

Background:

• Mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c (mitochondria open reading frame 12-3) is recognized for its role in metabolism and energy homeostasis.
• Previous research on MOTS-c has primarily utilized cell line models.
• The physiological impact of MOTS-c on complex biological structures like pancreatic islets remains less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of MOTS-c on isolated pancreatic islets from rat and pig models.
• To assess MOTS-c's influence on insulin and glucagon secretion and their receptor expression.
• To evaluate MOTS-c's impact on islet cell viability and death, and factors affecting its own secretion.

Main Methods:

• Isolated pancreatic islets from rats and pigs were treated with MOTS-c.
• Assays were performed to measure insulin and glucagon expression and secretion.
• Cell viability and apoptosis markers were assessed.
• MOTS-c secretion was analyzed under various incubation conditions (free fatty acids, hormones, glucose concentrations).

Main Results:

• MOTS-c treatment reduced insulin and glucagon secretion from pancreatic islets.
• MOTS-c enhanced pancreatic islet cell viability.
• Species-specific differences in MOTS-c effects were observed between rats and pigs.
• Incubation media composition influenced MOTS-c secretion.

Conclusions:

• MOTS-c significantly impacts pancreatic islet physiology, affecting hormone secretion and cell survival.
• Observed species-specific effects suggest anatomical or structural variations in rat and pig MOTS-c or islets.
• The pig model may offer valuable insights for potential human therapeutic applications of MOTS-c due to greater physiological similarity.