Background/aims: In pancreatic β-cells, the intracellular Ca²⁺ homeostasis is an essential regulator of the cells major functions. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as interactive intracellular Ca²⁺ store balances cellular Ca²⁺. In this study basal ER Ca²⁺ homeostasis was evaluated in order to reveal potential β-cell-specificity of ER Ca²⁺ handling and its consequences for mitochondrial Ca²⁺, ATP and respiration.
Methods: The two pancreatic cell lines INS-1 and MIN-6, freshly isolated pancreatic islets, and the two non-pancreatic cell lines HeLA and EA.hy926 were used. Cytosolic, ER and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ and ATP measurements were performed using single cell fluorescence microscopy and respective (genetically-encoded) sensors/dyes. Mitochondrial respiration was monitored by respirometry. GSK3β activity was measured with ELISA.
Results: An atypical ER Ca²⁺ leak was observed exclusively in pancreatic islets and β-cells. This continuous ER Ca²⁺ efflux is directed to mitochondria and increases basal respiration and organellar ATP levels, is established by GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of presenilin-1, and is prevented by either knockdown of presenilin-1 or an inhibition/knockdown of GSK3β. Expression of a presenlin-1 mutant that mimics GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation established a β-cell-like ER Ca²⁺ leak in HeLa and EA.hy926 cells. The ER Ca²⁺ loss in β-cells was compensated at steady state by Ca²⁺ entry that is linked to the activity of TRPC3.
Conclusion: Pancreatic β-cells establish a cell-specific ER Ca²⁺ leak that is under the control of GSK3β and directed to mitochondria, thus, reflecting a cell-specific intracellular Ca²⁺ handling for basal mitochondrial activity.
Keywords: Ca²⁺ leak; Endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺; Insulin release; Mitochondria; Presenilin-1; Respiration.
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