TRPM2 modulates insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells

Islets. 2011 Jul-Aug;3(4):209-11. doi: 10.4161/isl.3.4.16130. Epub 2011 Jul 1.

Abstract

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is the primary mechanism by which the body lowers blood glucose concentrations. Glucose is the principal stimulator of insulin secretion, and the primary pathway involved in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion is the ATP-sensitive K+ channel voltage-gated Ca2+ channel-mediated pathway. Several TRP channels expressed in pancreatic β-cells have been reported to be involved in insulin secretion. One recent report found that TRPM2 is expressed in pancreatic β-cells and modulates insulin secretion stimulated by glucose and further potentiated by incretin hormones. TRPM2 is a Ca2+-permeable non-selective cation channel activated by adenosine dinucleotides, hydrogen peroxide, and intracellular Ca2+. Glucose tolerance was impaired and insulin secretion was decreased in TRPM2 knockout mice. Insulin secretion via TRPM2 occurs not only through control of intracellular Ca2+ concentrations but also through Ca2+ influx-independent mechanisms. Although further examination is needed to clarify the mechanism of TRPM2-mediated insulin secretion, TRPM2 may be a key player in regulation of insulin secretion and could represent a new target for diabetes therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Glucose Intolerance / metabolism
  • Glucose Intolerance / therapy
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism*
  • Insulin Secretion
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • TRPM Cation Channels / genetics
  • TRPM Cation Channels / physiology*

Substances

  • Insulin
  • TRPM Cation Channels
  • TRPM2 protein, human
  • TRPM2 protein, mouse