RyR2 regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry, phospholipase C activity, and electrical excitability in the insulinoma cell line INS-1.

The ER Ca2+ channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is required for maintenance of insulin content and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, in part, via regulation of the protein IRBIT in the insulinoma cell line INS-1. Here, we examined store-operated and depolarization-dependent Ca2+entry using INS-1 cells in which either RyR2 or IRBIT were deleted. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) stimulated with thapsigargin was reduced in RyR2KO cells compared to controls, but was unchanged in IRBITKO cells.

RyR2/IRBIT regulates insulin gene transcript, insulin content, and secretion in the insulinoma cell line INS-1.

The role of ER Ca release via ryanodine receptors (RyR) in pancreatic β-cell function is not well defined. Deletion of RyR2 from the rat insulinoma INS-1 (RyR2) enhanced IP receptor activity stimulated by 7.5 mM glucose, coincident with reduced levels of the protein IP Receptor Binding protein released with Inositol 1,4,5 Trisphosphate (IRBIT).

Regulation of cAMP accumulation and activity by distinct phosphodiesterase subtypes in INS-1 cells and human pancreatic β-cells.

Pancreatic β-cells express multiple phosphodiesterase (PDE) subtypes, but the specific roles for each in β-cell function, particularly in humans, is not clear. We evaluated the cellular role of PDE1, PDE3, and PDE4 activity in the rat insulinoma cell line INS-1 and in primary human β-cells using subtype-selective PDE inhibitors. Using a genetically encoded, FRET-based cAMP sensor, we found that the PDE1 inhibitor 8MM-IBMX, elevated cAMP levels in the absence of glucose to a greater extent than either the PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide or the PDE4 inhibitor rolipram.

Molecular Determinants of the Differential Modulation of Ca1.2 and Ca1.3 by Nifedipine and FPL 64176.

Nifedipine and FPL 64176 (FPL), which block and potentiate L-type voltage-gated Ca channels, respectively, modulate Ca1.2 more potently than Ca1.3.

Selective Inhibition of STAT3 Phosphorylation Using a Nuclear-Targeted Kinase Inhibitor.

The discovery of compounds that selectively modulate signaling and effector proteins downstream of EGFR could have important implications for understanding specific roles for pathway activation. A complicating factor for receptor tyrosine kinases is their capacity to be translocated to the nucleus upon ligand engagement. Once localized in subcellular compartments like the nucleus, the roles for EGFR take on additional features, many of which are still being revealed.