Download Mechanistic investigation into the actions of taurine on beta cells

RESEARCH GROUP: Diabetes
Project Title: Mechanistic investigation into the actions of taurine on beta cells and
potential therapeutic actions in diabetes
Supervisor(s): Professor NH McClenaghan, Dr Abdel-Wahab
Contact Details: Professor Neville McClenaghan, Dr Abdel-Wahab, SAAD Centre for Pharmacy &
Diabetes, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine. Tel: 028 70 124419; Email:
[email protected]
Level: PhD
Background to the project :
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid) is a semi-essential amino acid, which is not incorporated into
proteins. In mammalian tissues, taurine is ubiquitous and is the most abundant free amino acid in the heart,
retina, skeletal muscle, brain, and leukocytes, exhibiting multiple functions and tissue-protective effects in
many models of oxidant-induced injury [1,2]. This sulphur-containing amino acid may be derived from the
diet or biosynthesized as an end-product of methionine and cysteine metabolism. Although a considerable
amount of taurine has long been known to be localized in the pancreas and has recently been shown to
influence the secretion of insulin [3-5]. Several reports also postulate that taurine may exhibit antidiabetic
activity perhaps through promoting beta cell defense and enhanced islet function [6-8]. Taurine, like the
insulinotropic amino acids alanine and proline, is co-transported with Na+ as a prerequisite for its uptake.
Indeed, a Na+-dependent beta-amino acid transport mechanism shared by beta-alanine and taurine, has
been described in retinal, synaptosomal, hepatic, sacrolemmal, renal and other cells. Although the pancreatic
transport system for, or actions of, taurine have not been fully characterized, preliminary studies in our
laboratory suggest that taurine uptake evokes pleiotropic effects in beta cells. While the exact mechanisms
underlying these effects remain uncertain, our primary observations suggest that taurine is an important
insulin-releasing signal recognition factor and potential therapeutic agent to help counter type 2 diabetes
[9,10].
Objectives of the research project :
This project will examine functional aspects of taurine and related sulphydryl amino acids in the modulation
of pancreatic beta cell signal transduction and insulin secretion in vitro and in vivo. These studies will be
coupled with investigations into the possible role of taurine in pancreatic beta cell cytoprotection. The aims
of this project are to: (a) determine pancreatic beta cell taurine uptake and metabolism and the expression
and function of taurine transporters; (b) examine the impact of acute and long-term exposure to taurine on
the regulation of pancreatic beta cell function, gene expression and insulin-releasing actions of established
secretagogues; (c) evaluate the effects of taurine on beta cell Na + handling, cellular membrane potential,
ionic flux and beta signal transduction elements (G-proteins, adenylate cyclase/cAMP, tyrosine and protein
kinases); (e) determine possible protective effects of taurine against established pancreatic beta cell
cytotoxins (cytokines, hydrogen peroxide, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species); (f) examine the
hypoglycaemic and insulin-releasing effects of taurine alone and in combination with established antidiabetic
drugs in normal and animal models of diabetes. These proposed studies will advance understanding of
pancreatic beta cell function and evaluate possible insulin-releasing and cytoprotective actions of taurine,
which may be of importance to understanding the aetiology and pathogenesis of the diabetic state.
Our hypothesis is that taurine is an important but hitherto unrecognised physiological stimulator of beta cell
function, acting through pathways which might be exploitable for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Methods to be used:
Cell and tissue culture techniques; Experimental islet cell biology, electrophysiology and intracellular Ca2+
signaling (including Flexstation determination of cellular membrane potential and ionic flux); Acute and
dynamic measurement of insulin secretion, insulin content and radioimmunoassay; Nutrient uptake,
metabolism and beta cell enzyme activity; Regulation of key beta cell signal transduction elements;
Assessment of pancreatic beta cell function, dysfunction and apoptosis particularly Neutral Red, MTT, Comet,
acridine orange/ethidium bromide and TUNEL assays; Molecular biology techniques particularly: RNA and
DNA purification, gene and protein expression analysis (including Northern and Western blotting),
polymerase chain reaction; In vivo assessments of circulating insulin and blood glucose control in animal
models.
Skills required of applicant :
The applicant should have a sound knowledge in biomedical sciences / pharmacology, ideally with some
practical laboratory experience. The applicant must have good computer and communication skills. The
applicant must demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to work diligently on all aspects of the research
project to completion under the leadership of the supervisors.
References :
[1] Aruoma OI, Halliwell B, Hoey BM & Butler J. The antioxidant action of taurine, hypotaurine and their
metabolic precursors. The Biochemical Journal 256: 251-255, 1988.
[2] Bradford R & Allen H. Taurine in health and disease. Journal of Advanced Medicine 9: 179-199, 1996.
[3] Newsholme P, Gaudel C, McClenaghan NH. Nutrient regulation of insulin secretion and beta-cell
functional integrity. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2010;654:91-114. doi: 10.1007/978-90-481-3271-3_6.
[4] Bessho M, Murase-Mishiba Y, Imagawa A, Terasaki J, Hanafusa T. Possible Contribution of Taurine to
Distorted Glucagon Secretion in Intra-Islet Insulin Deficiency: A Metabolome Analysis Using a Novel α-Cell
Model of Insulin-Deficient Diabetes. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 13;9(11):e113254. doi:
10.1371/journal.pone.0113254.
[5] Vettorazzi JF, Ribeiro RA, Santos-Silva JC, Borck PC, Batista TM, Nardelli TR, Boschero AC, Carneiro
EM. Taurine supplementation increases K(ATP) channel protein content, improving Ca2+ handling and
insulin secretion in islets from malnourished mice fed on a high-fat diet. Amino Acids. 2014 Sep;46(9):212336. doi: 10.1007/s00726-014-1763-6.
[6] El Idrissi A, Boukarrou L, L'Amoreaux W. Taurine supplementation and pancreatic remodeling. Adv Exp
Med Biol. 2009;643:353-8.
[7] Carneiro EM, Latorraca MQ, Araujo E, Beltrá M, Oliveras MJ, Navarro M, Berná G, Bedoya FJ, Velloso
LA, Soria B, Martín F. Taurine supplementation modulates glucose homeostasis and islet function. J Nutr
Biochem. 2009 Jul;20(7):503-11. doi: 0.1016/j.jnutbio.2008.05.008.
[8] Lin S, Yang J, Wu G, Liu M, Lv Q, Yang Q, Hu J. Inhibitory effects of taurine on STZ-induced apoptosis
of pancreatic islet cells. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2013;775:287-97. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6130-2_24.
[9] Manna P, Das J, Sil PC Role of sulfur containing amino acids as an adjuvant therapy in the prevention
of diabetes and its associated complications. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2013 May;9(3):237-48.
[10] Imae M, Asano T, Murakami S. Potential role of taurine in the prevention of diabetes and metabolic
syndrome. Amino Acids. 2014 Jan;46(1):81-8. doi: 10.1007/s00726-012-1434-4.