Abstract
FAM3A is a recently identified mitochondrial protein that stimulates pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1) and insulin expressions by promoting ATP release in islet β cells. In this study, the role of intracellular ATP in FAM3A-induced PDX1 expression in pancreatic β cells was further examined. Acute FAM3A inhibition using siRNA transfection in mouse pancreatic islets significantly reduced PDX1 expression, impaired insulin secretion, and caused glucose intolerance in normal mice. In vitro, FAM3A overexpression elevated both intracellular and extracellular ATP contents and promoted PDX1 expression and insulin secretion. FAM3A-induced increase in cellular calcium (Ca2+) levels, PDX1 expression, and insulin secretion, while these were significantly repressed by inhibitors of P2 receptors or the L-type Ca2+ channels. FAM3A-induced PDX1 expression was abolished by a calmodulin inhibitor. Likewise, FAM3A-induced β-cell proliferation was also inhibited by a P2 receptor inhibitor and an L-type Ca2+ channels inhibitor. Both intracellular and extracellular ATP contributed to FAM3A-induced PDX1 expression, insulin secretion, and proliferation of pancreatic β cells.