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The Neuronal K+CL− Co-Transporter 2 (Slc12a5) Modulates Insulin Secretion
Scientific Reports
  • Shams Kursan, Wright State University
  • Timothy S McMillen
  • Pavani Beesetty, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Eduardo Dias-Junior
  • Mohammed M. Almutairi, Wright State University
  • Abu A Sajib
  • J. Ashot Kozak, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Lydia Aguilar-Bryan
  • Mauicio Di Fulvio
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1-2017
Abstract

Intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl−]i) in pancreatic β-cells is kept above electrochemical equilibrium due to the predominant functional presence of Cl− loaders such as the Na+K+2Cl− co-transporter 1 (Slc12a2) over Cl−extruders of unidentified nature. Using molecular cloning, RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunolocalization and in vitro functional assays, we establish that the “neuron-specific” K+Cl− co-transporter 2 (KCC2, Slc12a5) is expressed in several endocrine cells of the pancreatic islet, including glucagon secreting α-cells, but particularly in insulin-secreting β-cells, where we provide evidence for its role in the insulin secretory response. Three KCC2 splice variants were identified: the formerly described KCC2a and KCC2b along with a novel one lacking exon 25 (KCC2a-S25). This new variant is undetectable in brain or spinal cord, the only and most abundant known sources of KCC2. Inhibition of KCC2 activity in clonal MIN6 β-cells increases basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and Ca2+ uptake in the presence of glibenclamide, an inhibitor of the ATP-dependent potassium (KATP)-channels, thus suggesting a possible mechanism underlying KCC2-dependent insulin release. We propose that the long-time considered “neuron-specific” KCC2 co-transporter is expressed in pancreatic islet β-cells where it modulates Ca2+-dependent insulin secretion.

Citation Information
Shams Kursan, Timothy S McMillen, Pavani Beesetty, Eduardo Dias-Junior, et al.. "The Neuronal K+CL− Co-Transporter 2 (Slc12a5) Modulates Insulin Secretion" Scientific Reports Vol. 7 (2017) ISSN: 2045-2322
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/j_kozak/65/