Dysfunctional autophagy following exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines contributes to pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis

Author(s)

Lambelet, Martine ^[1] ; Terra, Leticia F. ^[2] ; Fukaya, Makiko ^[3] ; Meyerovich, Kira ^[3] ; Labriola, Leticia ^[2] ; Cardozo, Alessandra K. ^[3] ; Allagnat, Florent ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] CHU Vaudois, Dept Vasc Surg, Lausanne - Switzerland

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Quim, Dept Bioquim, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[3] Univ Libre Bruxelles, ULB Ctr Diabet Res, Brussels - Belgium

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CELL DEATH & DISEASE; v. 9, JAN 24 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 12

Abstract

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results from beta-cell destruction due to concerted action of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta and interferon-gamma, secreted by the immune cells invading islets of Langerhans, contribute to pancreatic beta-cell death in T1D. Cytokine-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a central role in beta-cell demise. ER stress can modulate autophagic response; however, no study addressed the regulation of autophagy during the pathophysiology of T1D. In this study, we document that cytokines activate the AMPK-ULK-1 pathway while inhibiting mTORC1, which stimulates autophagy activity in an ER stress-dependent manner. On the other hand, time-course analysis of LC3-II accumulation in autophagosomes revealed that cytokines block the autophagy flux in an ER stress independent manner, leading to the formation of large dysfunctional autophagosomes and worsening of ER stress. Cytokines rapidly impair lysosome function, leading to lysosome membrane permeabilization, Cathepsin B leakage and lysosomal cell death. Blocking cathepsin activity partially protects against cytokine-induced or torin1-induced apoptosis, whereas blocking autophagy aggravates cytokine-induced CHOP overexpression and beta-cell apoptosis. In conclusion, cytokines stimulate the early steps of autophagy while blocking the autophagic flux, which aggravate ER stress and trigger lysosomal cell death. Restoration of autophagy/lysosomal function may represent a novel strategy to improve beta-cell resistance in the context of T1D. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07029-4 - Unveiling the role of HSP25/27 in Prolactin-induced cytoprotection in pancreatic beta cells
• Grantee: Leticia Labriola
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants