DNA Methylation –Dependent Restriction of Tyrosine Hydroxylase Contributes to Pancreatic β-Cell Heterogeneity

The molecular and functional heterogeneity of pancreatic β-cells is well recognized, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pancreatic islets harbor a subset of β-cells that co-express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an enzyme involved in synthesis of catecholamines that repress insulin secretion. Restriction of the TH+β-cells within islets is essential for appropriate function in mice, such that a higher proportion of these cells corresponds to reduced insulin secretion. Here, we use these cells as a model to dissect the developmental control of β-cell heterogeneity. We define the specific molecular and metabol ic characteristics of TH+β-cells and show differences in their developmental restriction in mice and humans. We show that TH expression in β-cells is restricted by DNA methylation during β-cell differentiation. Ablation of de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a in the embryonic progenitors results in a dramatic increase in the proportion of TH+β-cells, whereas β-cell–specific ablation of Dnmt3a does not. We demonstrate that maintenance ofTh promoter methylation is essential for its continued restriction in postnatal β-cells. Loss ofTh promoter methylation in response to chronic overnutrition increases the number of TH+β-cells, corresponding to impaired β-cell function. These results reveal a regulatory role of DNA methylation in determining β-cell heterogeneity.

Source: Diabetes - January 6, 2023 Category: Endocrinology Source Type: research