An autophagy enhancer ameliorates diabetes of human IAPP-transgenic mice through clearance of amyloidogenic oligomer

Nat Commun. 2021 Jan 8;12(1):183. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-20454-z.

Abstract

We have reported that autophagy is crucial for clearance of amyloidogenic human IAPP (hIAPP) oligomer, suggesting that an autophagy enhancer could be a therapeutic modality against human diabetes with amyloid accumulation. Here, we show that a recently identified autophagy enhancer (MSL-7) reduces hIAPP oligomer accumulation in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived β-cells (hiPSC-β-cells) and diminishes oligomer-mediated apoptosis of β-cells. Protective effects of MSL-7 against hIAPP oligomer accumulation and hIAPP oligomer-mediated β-cell death are significantly reduced in cells with knockout of MiTF/TFE family members such as Tfeb or Tfe3. MSL-7 improves glucose tolerance and β-cell function of hIAPP+ mice on high-fat diet, accompanied by reduced hIAPP oligomer/amyloid accumulation and β-cell apoptosis. Protective effects of MSL-7 against hIAPP oligomer-mediated β-cell death and the development of diabetes are also significantly reduced by β-cell-specific knockout of Tfeb. These results suggest that an autophagy enhancer could have therapeutic potential against human diabetes characterized by islet amyloid accumulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amyloid / metabolism*
  • Amyloidogenic Proteins / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Autophagy / physiology*
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells
  • Islet Amyloid Polypeptide / genetics*
  • Islet Amyloid Polypeptide / metabolism*
  • Macroautophagy / physiology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic

Substances

  • Amyloid
  • Amyloidogenic Proteins
  • Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors
  • Islet Amyloid Polypeptide
  • Tcfeb protein, mouse
  • Tcfe3 protein, mouse