Dual role of proapoptotic BAD in insulin secretion and beta cell survival

Nika N. Danial, Loren D. Walensky, Chen Yu Zhang, Cheol Soo Choi, Jill K. Fisher, Anthony J.A. Molina, Sandeep Robert Datta, Kenneth L. Pitter, Gregory H. Bird, Jakob D. Wikstrom, Jude T. Deeney, Kirsten Robertson, Joel Morash, Ameya Kulkarni, Susanne Neschen, Sheene Kim, Michael E. Greenberg, Barbara E. Corkey, Orian S. Shirihai, Gerald I. ShulmanBradford B. Lowell, Stanley J. Korsmeyer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

273 Scopus citations

Abstract

The proapoptotic BCL-2 family member BAD resides in a glucokinase- containing complex that regulates glucose-driven mitochondrial respiration. Here, we present genetic evidence of a physiologic role for BAD in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by beta cells. This novel function of BAD is specifically dependent upon the phosphorylation of its BH3 sequence, previously defined as an essential death domain. We highlight the pharmacologic relevance of phosphorylated BAD BH3 by using cell-permeable, hydrocarbon-stapled BAD BH3 helices that target glucokinase, restore glucose-driven mitochondrial respiration and correct the insulin secretory response in Bad-deficient islets. Our studies uncover an alternative target and function for the BAD BH3 domain and emphasize the therapeutic potential of phosphorylated BAD BH3 mimetics in selectively restoring beta cell function. Furthermore, we show that BAD regulates the physiologic adaptation of beta cell mass during high-fat feeding. Our findings provide genetic proof of the bifunctional activities of BAD in both beta cell survival and insulin secretion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)144-153
Number of pages10
JournalNature Medicine
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Feb 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Dual role of proapoptotic BAD in insulin secretion and beta cell survival'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this