TALK-1-mediated alterations of β-cell mitochondrial function and insulin secretion impair glucose homeostasis on a diabetogenic diet.

Mitochondrial Ca ([Ca]) homeostasis is critical for β-cell function and becomes disrupted during the pathogenesis of diabetes. [Ca] uptake is dependent on elevations in cytoplasmic Ca ([Ca]) and endoplasmic reticulum Ca ([Ca]) release, both of which are regulated by the two-pore domain K channel TALK-1. Here, utilizing a novel β-cell TALK-1-knockout (β-TALK-1-KO) mouse model, we found that TALK-1 limited β-cell [Ca] accumulation and ATP production.

Tetraspanin-7 regulation of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels controls pancreatic β-cell insulin secretion.

Key Points: Tetraspanin (TSPAN) proteins regulate many biological processes, including intracellular calcium (Ca ) handling. TSPAN-7 is enriched in pancreatic islet cells; however, the function of islet TSPAN-7 has not been identified. Here, we characterize how β-cell TSPAN-7 regulates Ca handling and hormone secretion.