Point mutations in the PDX1 transactivation domain impair human β-cell development and function

Mol Metab. 2019 Jun:24:80-97. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.03.006. Epub 2019 Mar 20.

Abstract

Objective: Hundreds of missense mutations in the coding region of PDX1 exist; however, if these mutations predispose to diabetes mellitus is unknown.

Methods: In this study, we screened a large cohort of subjects with increased risk for diabetes and identified two subjects with impaired glucose tolerance carrying common, heterozygous, missense mutations in the PDX1 coding region leading to single amino acid exchanges (P33T, C18R) in its transactivation domain. We generated iPSCs from patients with heterozygous PDX1P33T/+, PDX1C18R/+ mutations and engineered isogenic cell lines carrying homozygous PDX1P33T/P33T, PDX1C18R/C18R mutations and a heterozygous PDX1 loss-of-function mutation (PDX1+/-).

Results: Using an in vitro β-cell differentiation protocol, we demonstrated that both, heterozygous PDX1P33T/+, PDX1C18R/+ and homozygous PDX1P33T/P33T, PDX1C18R/C18R mutations impair β-cell differentiation and function. Furthermore, PDX1+/- and PDX1P33T/P33T mutations reduced differentiation efficiency of pancreatic progenitors (PPs), due to downregulation of PDX1-bound genes, including transcription factors MNX1 and PDX1 as well as insulin resistance gene CES1. Additionally, both PDX1P33T/+ and PDX1P33T/P33T mutations in PPs reduced the expression of PDX1-bound genes including the long-noncoding RNA, MEG3 and the imprinted gene NNAT, both involved in insulin synthesis and secretion.

Conclusions: Our results reveal mechanistic details of how common coding mutations in PDX1 impair human pancreatic endocrine lineage formation and β-cell function and contribute to the predisposition for diabetes.

Keywords: Insulin secretion; PDX1; PDX1-Bound genes; Transactivation domain; β-Cell differentiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / genetics
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases / metabolism
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Line
  • Diabetes Mellitus / genetics*
  • Female
  • Homeodomain Proteins / chemistry
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics*
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin Secretion*
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / cytology
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism*
  • Loss of Function Mutation
  • Male
  • Point Mutation*
  • Protein Domains
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / genetics
  • RNA, Long Noncoding / metabolism
  • Trans-Activators / chemistry
  • Trans-Activators / genetics*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism

Substances

  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • MEG3 non-coding RNA, human
  • MNX1 protein, human
  • RNA, Long Noncoding
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 protein
  • Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases
  • CES1 protein, human