A20 Inhibits β-Cell Apoptosis by Multiple Mechanisms and Predicts Residual β-Cell Function in Type 1 Diabetes

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Makiko Fukaya
  • Caroline A Brorsson
  • Kira Meyerovich
  • Leen Catrysse
  • Diane Delaroche
  • Emerielle C Vanzela
  • Fernanda Ortis
  • Rudi Beyaert
  • Lotte B Nielsen
  • Marie L M Andersen
  • Henrik B Mortensen
  • Pociot, Flemming
  • Geert van Loo
  • Joachim Størling
  • Alessandra K Cardozo

Activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) contributes to β-cell death in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Genome-wide association studies have identified the gene TNF-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), encoding for the zinc finger protein A20, as a susceptibility locus for T1D. A20 restricts NF-κB signaling and has strong antiapoptotic activities in β-cells. Although the role of A20 on NF-κB inhibition is well characterized, its other antiapoptotic functions are largely unknown. By studying INS-1E cells and rat dispersed islet cells knocked down or overexpressing A20 and islets isolated from the β-cell-specific A20 knockout mice, we presently demonstrate that A20 has broader effects in β-cells that are not restricted to inhibition of NF-κB. These involves, suppression of the proapoptotic mitogen-activated protein kinase c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), activation of survival signaling via v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt) and consequently inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Finally, in a cohort of T1D children, we observed that the risk allele of the rs2327832 single nucleotide polymorphism of TNFAIP3 predicted lower C-peptide and higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels 12 months after disease onset, indicating reduced residual β-cell function and impaired glycemic control. In conclusion, our results indicate a critical role for A20 in the regulation of β-cell survival and unveil novel mechanisms by which A20 controls β-cell fate. Moreover, we identify the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2327832 of TNFAIP3 as a possible prognostic marker for diabetes outcome in children with T1D.

Original languageEnglish
JournalMolecular endocrinology (Baltimore, Md.)
Volume30
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)48-61
Number of pages14
ISSN0888-8809
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2016

    Research areas

  • Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

ID: 164513114