Effects of c-MYC activation on glucose stimulus-secretion coupling events in mouse pancreatic islets.

Alteration of pancreatic β-cell survival and Preproinsulin gene expression by prolonged hyperglycemia may result from increased c-MYC expression. However, it is unclear whether c-MYC effects on β-cell function are compatible with its proposed role in glucotoxicity. We therefore tested the effects of short-term c-MYC activation on key β-cell stimulus-secretion coupling events in islets isolated from mice expressing a tamoxifen-switchable form of c-MYC in β-cells (MycER) and their wild-type littermates. Tamoxifen treatment of wild-type islets did not affect their cell survival, Preproinsulin gene expression, and glucose stimulus-secretion coupling. In contrast, tamoxifen-mediated c-MYC activation for 2-3 days triggered cell apoptosis and decreased Preproinsulin gene expression in MycER islets. These effects were accompanied by mitochondrial membrane hyperpolarization at all glucose concentrations, a higher resting intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), and lower glucose-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise and islet insulin content, leading to a strong reduction of glucose-induced insulin secretion. Compared with these effects, 1-wk culture in 30 mmol/l glucose increased the islet sensitivity to glucose stimulation without reducing the maximal glucose effectiveness or the insulin content. In contrast, overnight exposure to a low H₂O₂ concentration increased the islet resting [Ca²⁺]_i and reduced the amplitude of the maximal glucose response as in tamoxifen-treated MycER islets. In conclusion, c-MYC activation rapidly stimulates apoptosis, reduces Preproinsulin gene expression and insulin content, and triggers functional alterations of β-cells that are better mimicked by overnight exposure to a low H₂O₂ concentration than by prolonged culture in high glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]