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

MOTS-c is a promising regulator of metabolism and energy homeostasis. While its effects have been studied in cell lines, our team aimed to investigate its influence on more complex structures-specifically, isolated pancreatic islets. We used two animal models: the rat, which is commonly studied, and the pig, which shares greater physiological similarities with humans. This study assessed the expression and secretion of insulin and glucagon, the expression of their receptors, cell viability, and cell death following MOTS-c treatment of the islets. Additionally, we examined how MOTS-c secretion is affected by different incubation media, such as the presence of free fatty acids, pancreatic hormones, and different glucose concentrations. The results indicate that MOTS-c impacts pancreatic islet physiology by, for example, reducing insulin and glucagon secretion and enhancing cell viability. Notably, the effects differed between the two species, which may be attributed to anatomical differences in their pancreatic islets or structural variations in rat and pig MOTS-c. These facts may lead to the conclusion that if MOTS-c may be helpful in human medicine, the pig model should be considered another valuable choice.