Publications by year
In Press
Ifie E, Russell M, Dhayal S, Leete P, Sebastiani G, Nigi L, Dotta F, Marjomäki V, Eizirik D, Morgan N, et al (In Press). Unexpected subcellular distribution of a specific isoform of the Coxsackie and adenovirus receptor, CAR-SIV, in human pancreatic beta cells. Diabetologia
2022
Dhayal S, Leslie KA, Baity M, Akhbari P, Richardson SJ, Russell MA, Morgan NG (2022). Temporal regulation of interferon signalling in human EndoC-βH1 cells.
J Mol Endocrinol,
69(2), 299-313.
Abstract:
Temporal regulation of interferon signalling in human EndoC-βH1 cells.
During the development of type 1 diabetes, interferons (IFN) are elaborated from islet-infiltrating immune cells and/or from virally infected β-cells. They act via specific receptors to increase, acutely, the phosphorylation of the transcription factors STAT1 and 2. However, the longer-term impacts of chronic IFN stimulation are poorly understood and were investigated in the current study. Human EndoC-βH1 cells were treated with IFNα, IFNγ or IFNλ either acutely (
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2021
Chaffey JR, Young J, Leslie KA, Partridge K, Akhbari P, Dhayal S, Hill JL, Wedgwood KCA, Burnett E, Russell MA, et al (2021). Investigation of the utility of the 1.1B4 cell as a model human beta cell line for study of persistent enteroviral infection.
Sci Rep,
11(1).
Abstract:
Investigation of the utility of the 1.1B4 cell as a model human beta cell line for study of persistent enteroviral infection.
The generation of a human pancreatic beta cell line which reproduces the responses seen in primary beta cells, but is amenable to propagation in culture, has long been an important goal in diabetes research. This is particularly true for studies focussing on the role of enteroviral infection as a potential cause of beta-cell autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. In the present work we made use of a clonal beta cell line (1.1B4) available from the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures, which had been generated by the fusion of primary human beta-cells with a pancreatic ductal carcinoma cell, PANC-1. Our goal was to study the factors allowing the development and persistence of a chronic enteroviral infection in human beta-cells. Since PANC-1 cells have been reported to support persistent enteroviral infection, the hybrid 1.1B4 cells appeared to offer an ideal vehicle for our studies. In support of this, infection of the cells with a Coxsackie virus isolated originally from the pancreas of a child with type 1 diabetes, CVB4.E2, at a low multiplicity of infection, resulted in the development of a state of persistent infection. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms suggested that this response was facilitated by a number of unexpected outcomes including an apparent failure of the cells to up-regulate certain anti-viral response gene products in response to interferons. However, more detailed exploration revealed that this lack of response was restricted to molecular targets that were either activated by, or detected with, human-selective reagents. By contrast, and to our surprise, the cells were much more responsive to rodent-selective reagents. Using multiple approaches, we then established that populations of 1.1B4 cells are not homogeneous but that they contain a mixture of rodent and human cells. This was true both of our own cell stocks and those held by the European Collection of Authenticated Cell Cultures. In view of this unexpected finding, we developed a strategy to harvest, isolate and expand single cell clones from the heterogeneous population, which allowed us to establish colonies of 1.1B4 cells that were uniquely human (h1.1.B4). However, extensive analysis of the gene expression profiles, immunoreactive insulin content, regulated secretory pathways and the electrophysiological properties of these cells demonstrated that they did not retain the principal characteristics expected of human beta cells. Our data suggest that stocks of 1.1B4 cells should be evaluated carefully prior to their use as a model human beta-cell since they may not retain the phenotype expected of human beta-cells.
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2019
Dhayal S, Zummo FP, Anderson MW, Thomas P, Welters HJ, Arden C, Morgan NG (2019). Differential effects of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on autophagy in pancreatic β-cells.
J Mol Endocrinol,
63(4), 285-296.
Abstract:
Differential effects of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on autophagy in pancreatic β-cells.
Long-chain saturated fatty acids are lipotoxic to pancreatic β-cells, whereas most unsaturates are better tolerated and some may even be cytoprotective. Fatty acids alter autophagy in β-cells and there is increasing evidence that such alterations can impact directly on the regulation of viability. Accordingly, we have compared the effects of palmitate (C16:0) and palmitoleate (C16:1) on autophagy in cultured β-cells and human islets. Treatment of BRIN-BD11 β-cells with palmitate led to enhanced autophagic activity, as judged by cleavage of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-I (LC3-I) and this correlated with a marked loss of cell viability in the cells. In addition, transfection of these cells with an mCherry-YFP-LC3 reporter construct revealed the accumulation of autophagosomes in palmitate-treated cells, indicating an impairment of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. This was also seen upon addition of the vacuolar ATPase inhibitor, bafilomycin A1. Exposure of BRIN-BD11 cells to palmitoleate (C16:1) did not lead directly to changes in autophagic activity or flux, but it antagonised the actions of palmitate. In parallel, palmitoleate also improved the viability of palmitate-treated BRIN-BD11 cells. Equivalent responses were observed in INS-1E cells and in isolated human islets. Taken together, these data suggest that palmitate may cause an impairment of autophagosome-lysosome fusion. These effects were not reproduced by palmitoleate which, instead, antagonised the responses mediated by palmitate suggesting that attenuation of β-cell stress may contribute to the improvement in cell viability caused by the mono-unsaturated fatty acid.
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2016
Ferru-Clément R, Spanova M, Dhayal S, Morgan NG, Hélye R, Becq F, Hirose H, Antonny B, Vamparys L, Fuchs PFJ, et al (2016). Targeting surface voids to counter membrane disorders in lipointoxication-related diseases.
J Cell Sci,
129(12), 2368-2381.
Abstract:
Targeting surface voids to counter membrane disorders in lipointoxication-related diseases.
Saturated fatty acids (SFA), which are abundant in the so-called western diet, have been shown to efficiently incorporate within membrane phospholipids and therefore impact on organelle integrity and function in many cell types. In the present study, we have developed a yeast-based two-step assay and a virtual screening strategy to identify new drugs able to counter SFA-mediated lipointoxication. The compounds identified here were effective in relieving lipointoxication in mammalian β-cells, one of the main targets of SFA toxicity in humans. In vitro reconstitutions and molecular dynamics simulations on bilayers revealed that these molecules, albeit according to different mechanisms, can generate voids at the membrane surface. The resulting surface defects correlate with the recruitment of loose lipid packing or void-sensing proteins required for vesicular budding, a central cellular process that is precluded under SFA accumulation. Taken together, the results presented here point at modulation of surface voids as a central parameter to consider in order to counter the impacts of SFA on cell function.
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2014
Stone VM, Dhayal S, Brocklehurst KJ, Lenaghan C, Sörhede Winzell M, Hammar M, Xu X, Smith DM, Morgan NG (2014). GPR120 (FFAR4) is preferentially expressed in pancreatic delta cells and regulates somatostatin secretion from murine islets of Langerhans.
Diabetologia,
57(6), 1182-1191.
Abstract:
GPR120 (FFAR4) is preferentially expressed in pancreatic delta cells and regulates somatostatin secretion from murine islets of Langerhans.
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: the NEFA-responsive G-protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) has been implicated in the regulation of inflammation, in the control of incretin secretion and as a predisposing factor influencing the development of type 2 diabetes by regulation of islet cell apoptosis. However, there is still considerable controversy about the tissue distribution of GPR120 and, in particular, it remains unclear which islet cell types express this molecule. In the present study, we have addressed this issue by constructing a Gpr120-knockout/β-galactosidase (LacZ) knock-in (KO/KI) mouse to examine the distribution and functional role of GPR120 in the endocrine pancreas. METHODS: a KO/KI mouse was generated in which exon 1 of the Gpr120 gene (also known as Ffar4) was replaced in frame by LacZ, thereby allowing for regulated expression of β-galactosidase under the control of the endogenous GPR120 promoter. The distribution of GPR120 was inferred from expression studies detecting β-galactosidase activity and protein production. Islet hormone secretion was measured from isolated mouse islets treated with selective GPR120 agonists. RESULTS: β-galactosidase activity was detected as a surrogate for GPR120 expression exclusively in a small population of islet endocrine cells located peripherally within the islet mantle. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed co-localisation with somatostatin suggesting that GPR120 is preferentially produced in islet delta cells. In confirmation of this, glucose-induced somatostatin secretion was inhibited by a range of selective GPR120 agonists. This response was lost in GPR120-knockout mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: the results imply that GPR120 is selectively present within the delta cells of murine islets and that it regulates somatostatin secretion.
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2013
Russell MA, Cooper AC, Dhayal S, Morgan NG (2013). Differential effects of interleukin-13 and interleukin-6 on Jak/STAT signaling and cell viability in pancreatic β-cells.
Islets,
5(2), 95-105.
Abstract:
Differential effects of interleukin-13 and interleukin-6 on Jak/STAT signaling and cell viability in pancreatic β-cells.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are important mediators of β-cell demise in type 1 diabetes, and similar mechanisms are increasingly implicated in type 2 diabetes, where a state of chronic inflammation may persist. It is likely that the actions of anti-inflammatory cytokines are also altered in diabetes. Cytokines are released from immune cells, which may be recruited to the islets in diabetes, but they can also be produced by islet endocrine cells in response to environmental factors, including enteroviral infection. Since enteroviral infection of islet cells may influence the development of diabetes in humans, we examined the actions of two cytokines, IL-13 and IL-6, whose expression are reported to be altered in β-cells during enteroviral infection. Human and rodent islet cells were shown to express receptors for both IL-13 and IL-6, and treatment with either cytokine resulted in the rapid phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT6. However, while β-cells were protected against a range of cytotoxic insults during exposure to IL-13, treatment with IL-6 enhanced cytotoxicity and western blotting revealed that IL-13 induced one specific isoform of phospho-STAT6 preferentially. Upon incubation with both cytokines together, the isoform of STAT6 that was upregulated by IL-13 alone was again induced, and the effects of IL-6 on β-cell viability were attenuated. Overall, the results suggest that induction of specific isoforms of STAT family transcription factors may underlie the cytoprotective actions of IL-13, and they imply that selective targeting of specific STAT-mediated signaling components could provide a means to ameliorate the loss of β-cell viability in diabetes.
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2012
Stone VM, Dhayal S, Smith DM, Lenaghan C, Brocklehurst KJ, Morgan NG (2012). The cytoprotective effects of oleoylethanolamide in insulin-secreting cells do not require activation of GPR119.
Br J Pharmacol,
165(8), 2758-2770.
Abstract:
The cytoprotective effects of oleoylethanolamide in insulin-secreting cells do not require activation of GPR119.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: β-cells express a range of fatty acid-responsive G protein-coupled receptors, including GPR119, which regulates insulin secretion and is seen as a potential therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes. The long-chain unsaturated fatty acid derivative oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endogenous agonist of GPR119 and, under certain conditions, some long-chain unsaturated fatty acids can promote β-cell cytoprotection. It is not known, however, if OEA is cytoprotective in β-cells. The present study has examined this and determined whether GPR119 is involved. METHODS: Clonal rat insulin-secreting cell lines, BRIN-BD11 or INS-1E, were exposed to fatty acids complexed with BSA. cAMP levels, insulin release and cell viability were measured. Protein expression was studied by Western blotting and receptor expression by RT-PCR. KEY RESULTS: GPR119 was expressed in both BRIN-BD11 and INS-1E cells and OEA was cytoprotective in these cells. However, cytoprotection was not reproduced by any of a range of selective, synthetic ligands of GPR119. The cytoprotective response to OEA was lost during exposure to inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) suggesting that OEA per se is not the cytoprotective species but that release of free oleate is required. Similar data were obtained with anandamide, which was cytoprotective only under conditions favouring release of free arachidonate. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Activation of GPR119 is not required to mediate the cytoprotective actions of OEA in BRIN-BD11 or INS-1E cells. Rather, OEA is internalised and subjected to hydrolysis by FAAH to release free oleate, which then mediates the cytoprotection.
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2011
Keane DC, Takahashi HK, Dhayal S, Morgan NG, Curi R, Newsholme P (2011). Arachidonic acid actions on functional integrity and attenuation of the negative effects of palmitic acid in a clonal pancreatic β-cell line.
Clin Sci (Lond),
120(5), 195-206.
Abstract:
Arachidonic acid actions on functional integrity and attenuation of the negative effects of palmitic acid in a clonal pancreatic β-cell line.
Chronic exposure of pancreatic β-cells to saturated non-esterified fatty acids can lead to inhibition of insulin secretion and apoptosis. Several previous studies have demonstrated that saturated fatty acids such as PA (palmitic acid) are detrimental to β-cell function compared with unsaturated fatty acids. In the present study, we describe the effect of the polyunsaturated AA (arachidonic acid) on the function of the clonal pancreatic β-cell line BRIN-BD11 and demonstrate AA-dependent attenuation of PA effects. When added to β-cell incubations at 100 μM, AA can stimulate cell proliferation and chronic (24 h) basal insulin secretion. Microarray analysis and/or real-time PCR indicated significant AA-dependent up-regulation of genes involved in proliferation and fatty acid metabolism [e.g. Angptl (angiopoietin-like protein 4), Ech1 (peroxisomal Δ3,5,Δ2,4-dienoyl-CoA isomerase), Cox-1 (cyclo-oxygenase-1) and Cox-2, P
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Johnstone KA, Diakogiannaki E, Dhayal S, Morgan NG, Harries LW (2011). Dysregulation of Hnf1b gene expression in cultured beta-cells in response to cytotoxic fatty acid.
JOP,
12(1), 6-10.
Abstract:
Dysregulation of Hnf1b gene expression in cultured beta-cells in response to cytotoxic fatty acid.
CONTEXT: Increased levels of circulating fatty acids deriving from over-nutrition are thought to contribute to the progressive beta-cell failure associated with type 2 diabetes. Pancreatic beta-cells in culture are sensitive to exposure to long-chain saturated fatty acids (e.g. palmitate) which cause cytotoxicity, whereas the monounsaturated equivalents (e.g. palmitoleate) are cytoprotective. OBJECTIVES: in this study we sought to determine whether of members of the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF) family of transcription factors, which are mutated in familial, young-onset, monogenic beta-cell diabetes, could play a role in fatty acid-mediated cytotoxicity in cultured beta-cells. DESIGN: We used real-time PCR to determine whether hepatocyte nuclear factor gene expression was altered in response to palmitate exposure in the BRIN-BD11 beta-cell line. RESULTS: We found that the Hnf isoforms expressed in BRIN-BD11 cells are dysregulated by palmitate exposure. The expression of Hnf1b is specifically reduced by exposure to palmitate, and this response is prevented by co-incubation with palmitoleate. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of Hnf1b gene expression accompanies palmitate-mediated cytotoxicity in cultured beta-cells.
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Dhayal S, Morgan NG (2011). Pharmacological characterization of the cytoprotective effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11 cells.
Br J Pharmacol,
162(6), 1340-1350.
Abstract:
Pharmacological characterization of the cytoprotective effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in insulin-secreting BRIN-BD11 cells.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Free fatty acids are important metabolic fuels for mammalian cells but, recently, it has become clear that they can also fulfil signalling functions, which are independent of their metabolic fate. We are investigating the ability of unsaturated free fatty acids to exert a cytoprotective response during exposure of insulin-secreting cells to toxic stimuli. The majority of earlier studies have focussed on monounsaturated fatty acids but this has now been extended to define the structural requirements of the cytoprotective effects of polyunsaturated species. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Clonal rat insulin-secreting cell lines, BRIN-BD11 or INS-1, were exposed to fatty acids or their derivatives complexed with BSA and the viability of the cells was analysed by flow cytometry after staining with propidium iodide. KEY RESULTS: a variety of polyunsaturated fatty acids with chain lengths between C18-C22 attenuated the cytotoxic actions of the saturated fatty acid, palmitate (C16:0) in BRIN-BD11 and INS-1 cells. These effects were dose-dependent and displayed potencies that were much higher than those achieved with monounsaturated fatty acids. Methyl esters of the polyunsaturates were also effective. The cytoprotective responses were not altered by incubation of cells with inhibitors of cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase enzymes although they were antagonized dose-dependently by arachidonyltrifluoromethylketone (AACOCF(3)). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: the results are consistent with the involvement of a specific fatty acid binding site having loose, but defined, structural criteria, in mediating the cytoprotective effects of unsaturated fatty acids. AACOCF(3) may be of value in defining this site in molecular terms.
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Dhayal S, Morgan NG (2011). Structure-activity relationships influencing lipid-induced changes in eIF2α phosphorylation and cell viability in BRIN-BD11 cells.
FEBS Lett,
585(14), 2243-2248.
Abstract:
Structure-activity relationships influencing lipid-induced changes in eIF2α phosphorylation and cell viability in BRIN-BD11 cells.
Fatty acids influence the viability of eukaryotic cells differentially such that long chain saturated molecules are poorly tolerated, whereas unsaturated species are less detrimental and can be cytoprotective. The basis for these effects is unclear but studies in yeast imply that they reflect the spatial configuration of the molecules when incorporated into the ER membrane. Using BRIN-BD11 β-cells, we show that a wide range of unsaturated free fatty acids and their methyl-esters (having differing chain length and disposition of the double bonds) elicit cytoprotection and relief of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-dependent ER stress. Thus, both physical properties and specific signalling events may regulate fatty acid responses in β-cells.
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2010
Dhayal S, Morgan NG (2010). The significance of GPR119 agonists as a future treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Drug News Perspect,
23(7), 418-424.
Abstract:
The significance of GPR119 agonists as a future treatment for type 2 diabetes.
GPR119 is a G protein-coupled receptor that is expressed on only a limited number of tissues, including pancreatic β-cells and enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine, and that appears to be involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis. The protein was originally defined as an orphan receptor, but it has subsequently been shown to bind a variety of lipid-derived ligands, as well as a range of small synthetic molecules. There is still debate as to the identity of its principal endogenous ligand, but certain lysophospholipids species, various fatty acyl-ethanolamides and N-oleoyldopamine have all been proposed as potential agonists. GPR119 is coupled to the signal transducer Gαs and activation of the receptor leads to increased adenylate cyclase activity via Gαs and a rise in intracellular cAMP. This then potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion or promotes the release of intestinal incretin hormones, according to cell type. Both mechanisms ultimately lead to a rise in insulin secretion (either directly or indirectly) and improved glucose control. Thus, GPR119 may represent an important new therapeutic target for the design of insulin secretagogues able to promote improvements in blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Accordingly, a range of lead compounds are in development as potential therapeutic agents.
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Morgan NG, Dhayal S (2010). Unsaturated fatty acids as cytoprotective agents in the pancreatic beta-cell.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids,
82(4-6), 231-236.
Abstract:
Unsaturated fatty acids as cytoprotective agents in the pancreatic beta-cell.
It is widely accepted that, in type 2 diabetes, elevated levels of free fatty acids and glucose contribute to a state of glucolipotoxicity in which beta-cell function declines and, ultimately, cell viability is compromised. This suggests that beta-cells do not readily tolerate chronic elevations in fatty acid levels. In vitro studies suggest, however, that beta-cells respond differentially to long chain fatty acids, such that saturated species are lipotoxic whereas long chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids can provide cytoprotection. This difference does not appear to be mediated by a mutual metabolic antagonism between saturated and unsaturated species (although differential alterations in neutral lipid disposition may occur in response to these fatty acids) and the mechanisms remain unclear. This review summaries the current understanding of the actions of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in beta-cells and highlights areas of controversy as well as key unresolved issues which require to be addressed.
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2009
Morgan NG, Dhayal S (2009). G-protein coupled receptors mediating long chain fatty acid signalling in the pancreatic beta-cell.
Biochem Pharmacol,
78(12), 1419-1427.
Abstract:
G-protein coupled receptors mediating long chain fatty acid signalling in the pancreatic beta-cell.
It is increasingly clear that some of the effects of both free and derivatised long chain fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells are mediated by a group of G-protein coupled receptors. Some of these display close structural homology while others are more divergent. This Commentary reviews the expression and functional roles of three such molecules, GPR40, GPR119 and GPR120. GPR40 is the best characterised of this group and appears to mediate the acute stimulatory effects of long chain fatty acids on insulin secretion. GPR40 has also been proposed as a potential mediator of fatty acid toxicity but this is more controversial. GPR119 is also involved in stimulation of insulin secretion and responds primarily to ethanolamide derivatives of long chain fatty acids and also to some lysophospholipids rather than to free fatty acids. It may represent a useful target for the development of new insulin secretagogues aimed to enhance insulin release in patients with type 2 diabetes. GPR120 is the most enigmatic of the lipid-responsive cell-surface receptors and its function remains to be established. It has been proposed to play a cytoprotective role in certain other cell types but it is unclear whether it fulfils a similar function in beta-cells.
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2008
Dhayal S, Welters HJ, Morgan NG (2008). Structural requirements for the cytoprotective actions of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in the pancreatic beta-cell line, BRIN-BD11.
Br J Pharmacol,
153(8), 1718-1727.
Abstract:
Structural requirements for the cytoprotective actions of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in the pancreatic beta-cell line, BRIN-BD11.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Exposure of pancreatic beta-cells to long-chain free fatty acids leads to differential responses according to the chain length and degree of unsaturation. In particular, long-chain saturated molecules such as palmitate (C16:0) cause apoptosis, whereas equivalent mono-unsaturated species (for example, palmitoleate (C16:1)) are not overtly toxic. Moreover, mono-unsaturates exert a powerful cytoprotective response against a range of proapoptotic stimuli. However, the structural requirements that determine cytoprotection have not been determined and form the basis of the present study. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: BRIN-BD11 and INS-1 beta-cells were exposed either to the saturated fatty acid palmitate, or to serum withdrawal, to mediate cytotoxicity. The protective effects of a wide range of mono-unsaturated fatty acid derivatives were tested in cytotoxicity assays. Effector caspase activity was also measured and correlated with viability. KEY RESULTS: the cytotoxic actions of palmitate were inhibited dose-dependently by long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids with a defined potency order C18:1>C16:1>>C14:1. The configuration of the double bond was also important with cis forms being more potent than trans forms. Alkylated mono-unsaturated fatty-acid derivates were also cytoprotective, although their efficacy declined as the alkyl chain length increased. Cytoprotection was achieved rapidly on addition of mono-unsaturates and correlated with a rapid and dramatic inhibition of caspase-3/7 activity in palmitate-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: the data reveal the structural requirements that dictate the cytoprotective actions of mono-unsaturated fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells. Metabolic activation is not required and the data point at the potential involvement of a fatty acid receptor in mediating cytoprotection.
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Morgan NG, Dhayal S, Diakogiannaki E, Welters HJ (2008). The cytoprotective actions of long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells.
Biochem Soc Trans,
36(Pt 5), 905-908.
Abstract:
The cytoprotective actions of long-chain mono-unsaturated fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells.
Chronic exposure of pancreatic beta-cells to long-chain fatty acids can cause loss of secretory function and enhanced apoptosis by a process of 'lipotoxicity', which may be a contributory factor to the rising incidence of Type 2 diabetes in humans. However, when incubated in vitro, beta-cells respond differentially to long-chain saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, suggesting that these molecules may regulate cell functionality by different mechanisms. In particular, it is clear that, whereas saturated fatty acids [e.g. palmitate (C16:0)] exert detrimental effects on beta-cells, the equivalent mono-unsaturated species [e.g. palmitoleate (C16:1)] are well tolerated. Indeed, mono-unsaturated species are potently cytoprotective. The present review explores the differential effects of these various fatty acids on beta-cell viability and considers the possible mechanisms involved in cytoprotection by mono-unsaturates.
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2007
Diakogiannaki E, Dhayal S, Childs CE, Calder PC, Welters HJ, Morgan NG (2007). Mechanisms involved in the cytotoxic and cytoprotective actions of saturated versus monounsaturated long-chain fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells.
J Endocrinol,
194(2), 283-291.
Abstract:
Mechanisms involved in the cytotoxic and cytoprotective actions of saturated versus monounsaturated long-chain fatty acids in pancreatic beta-cells.
Long-chain saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids differ in their propensity to induce beta-cell death in vitro with palmitate (C16:0) being cytotoxic, whereas palmitoleate (C16:1n-7) is cytoprotective. We now show that this cytoprotective capacity extends to a poorly metabolised C16:1n-7 derivative, methyl-palmitoleate (0.25 mM palmitate alone: 92 +/- 4% death after 18 h; palmitate plus 0.25 mM methyl-palmitoleate: 12 +/- 2%; P < 0.001). Palmitoleate and its methylated derivative also acted as mitogens in cultured beta-cells (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation - control: 0.15 +/- 0.01 units; 0.25 mM palmitoleate: 0.22 +/- 0.01 units; P < 0.05). It has been proposed that alterations in neutral lipid synthesis (particularly triacylglycerol (TAG) formation) might mediate the differential responses to saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and we have examined this proposition. Palmitate and palmitoleate both promoted beta-cell phospholipid remodelling and increased TAG formation (control: 0.9 +/- 0.1 nmol TAG/10(6) cells; 0.25 mM palmitate: 1.55 +/- 0.07; 0.25 mM palmitoleate: 1.4 +/- 0.05; palmitate plus palmitoleate: 2.3 +/- 0.1). By contrast, methyl-palmitoleate failed to influence TAG levels (0.25 mM methyl-palmitoleate alone: 0.95 +/- 0.06 nmol TAG/10(6) cells; methyl-palmitoleate plus palmitate: 1.5 +/- 0.05) or its fatty acid composition in beta-cells exposed to palmitate. The results suggest that monounsaturated fatty acids can promote cell viability and mitogenesis by a mechanism that does not require their metabolism and is independent of alterations in TAG formation.
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