Diabetes mellitus is characterized by an inability of pancreatic ? cells to produce and secrete sufficient insulin to meet the needs of the body. While the mechanisms regulating insulin secretion are well understood, less is known about the processing of proinsulin to mature insulin in pancreatic ? cells. In humans, elevated circulating proinsulin is associated with impaired proinsulin processing and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). We have discovered that mice with a targeted deletion of the iron regulatory protein 2 (Irp2) gene, which leads to a depletion of intracellular iron content, develop hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance and impaired glucose- stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic ? cells. Irp2-/- mice display increased pancreatic proinsulin content, decreased insulin content and reduced insulin secretion, suggesting that dysregulation of intracellular iron homeostasis causes a defect in proinsulin processing in ? cells. We propose that the depletion of intracellular iron in ? cells impairs mitochondrial function and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis, leading to defective proinsulin processing. We plan to identify specific functional changes in these pathways in Irp2 deficient ? cells that will give new insight into molecular mechanisms that can be targeted in ? cell dysfunction.

Public Health Relevance

Diabetes is characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the inability of pancreatic ? cells to produce sufficient insulin to meet the needs of the body. About 300 million of individuals worldwide have type 2 diabetes, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, renal failure, blindness and peripheral neuropathy. Our work will provide insights about the role of iron in proinsulin processing to mature insulin and the response of ? cells to impaired proinsulin accumulation. These insights could reveal new strategies to augment proinsulin folding, reduce ER stress and improve ? cell function.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01DK107712-01A1
Application #
9177444
Study Section
Integrative Nutrition and Metabolic Processes Study Section (INMP)
Program Officer
Sato, Sheryl M
Project Start
2016-07-01
Project End
2020-06-30
Budget Start
2016-07-01
Budget End
2017-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$377,500
Indirect Cost
$127,500
Name
University of Utah
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
009095365
City
Salt Lake City
State
UT
Country
United States
Zip Code
84112