| First Author | Lu J | Year | 2020 |
| Journal | FASEB J | Volume | 34 |
| Issue | 11 | Pages | 15015-15028 |
| PubMed ID | 32918525 | Mgi Jnum | J:306006 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:6708495 | Doi | 10.1096/fj.202001218R |
| Citation | Lu J, et al. (2020) KCNH6 protects pancreatic beta-cells from endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. FASEB J 34(11):15015-15028 |
| abstractText | Adult patients with dysfunction in human ether-a-go-go 2 (hERG2) protein, encoded by KCNH6, present with hypoinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. However, the mechanism of KCNH6 action in glucose disorders has not been clearly defined. Previous studies identified that sustained endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells and directly contributed to diabetes. In the present study, we showed that Kcnh6 knockout (KO) mice had impaired glucose tolerance mediated by high ER stress levels, and showed increased apoptosis and elevated intracellular calcium levels in pancreatic beta-cells. In contrast, KCNH6 overexpression in islets isolated from C57BL/6J mice attenuated ER stress induced by thapsigargin or palmitic acid. This effect contributed to better preservation of beta-cells, as reflected in increased beta cell survival and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. These results were further corroborated by studies evaluating KCNH6 overexpression in KO islets. Similarly, induction of Kcnh6 in KO mice by lentivirus injection improved glucose tolerance by reducing pancreatic ER stress and apoptosis. Our data provide new insights into how Kcnh6 deficiency causes ER calcium depletion and beta cell dysfunction. |
