Reg3g ameliorates Tacrolimus-induced pancreatic β cell dysfunction by
restoring mitochondrial function
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Tacrolimus (Tac) induces pancreatic β cell
dysfunction, causing new-onset diabetes mellitus (NODM) after
transplantation. Reg3g is a member of the pancreatic regenerative gene
family, as reported to improve type 1 diabetes by promoting β cell
regeneration. Here, we aim to investigate the role and approach of Reg3g
in reversing Tac-induced β cell dysfunction and NODM in mice.
Experimental Approach: Circulating REG3A (the human homolog of mouse
Reg3g) concentrations of patients treated with Tac after heart
transplantation(HT) were detected. The glucose-stimulated insulin
secretion (GSIS) and mitochondrial functions, including mitochondria
membrane potential (MMP), mitochondria calcium uptake, ATP production,
and oxygen consumption rate (OCR), were tested in β cells. Effects of
Reg3g on Tac-induced NODM in mice were studied. Key Results: Circulating
REG3A levels significantly decreased in NODM patients treated with Tac
compared with those without diabetes. Tac down-regulated Reg3g via
inhibiting STAT3-mediated transcription activation, while Reg3g
protected against Tac-induced apoptosis of β cells. Besides, Reg3g
restored GSIS suppressed by Tac in β cells via improving mitochondrial
function, including increased MMP, mitochondria calcium uptake, ATP
production, and OCR. Mechanically, Reg3g increased accumulation of
pSTAT3(Ser727) in mitochondria by activating ERK1/2-STAT3 signaling
pathway, leading to restoration of Tac-caused mitochondrial impairment.
Moreover, Reg3g overexpression effectively ameliorated Tac-induced NODM
in mice. Conclusion and Implications: Reg3g ameliorates Tac-induced
pancreatic β cell dysfunction by restoring mitochondrial function via a
pSTAT3(Ser727)-dependent way. Our observations identify a novel
Reg3g-involved mechanism underlying the augmented incidence of
Tac-induced NODM and reveal that Reg3g ameliorates Tac-induced β cell
dysfunction.