Conclusions
Islet α-cell specific overexpression of NIK results in islet α-cell dysfunction and causes islet β-cell death and pancreatitis, which are most likely due to paracrine secretion of cytokines and chemokines from islet α cells, thus leading to hypoglycemia, growth retardation, and postnatal death in mice.
Methods
We utilized adenovirus-mediated NIK overexpression, ELISA, qPCR, RNA-seq, and Western blot analyses to study the role of NIK in islet α cells in vitro. Islet α-cell-specific NIK overexpressing (α-NIK-OE) mice were generated, and pancreatic α/β-cell function and the occurrence of pancreatitis in these mice were assessed via ELISA, qPCR, and immunohistochemical analyses.
Results
The LTβR/noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway is present in islet α cells. Overexpression of NIK in αTC1-6 cells induces inflammation and cell death, contributing to a decrease in the expression and secretion of glucagon. Additionally, α-cell specific overexpression of NIK (α-NIK-OE) results in α-cell death, lower serum glucagon levels, and hypoglycemia in mice. Strikingly, α-NIK-OE mice also display a reduced β-cell mass, growth retardation, pancreatitis, and postnatal death. Conclusions: Islet α-cell specific overexpression of NIK results in islet α-cell dysfunction and causes islet β-cell death and pancreatitis, which are most likely due to paracrine secretion of cytokines and chemokines from islet α cells, thus leading to hypoglycemia, growth retardation, and postnatal death in mice.