The importance of redox shuttles to pancreatic β-cell energy metabolism and function

The coupling of cytosolic glycolytic NADH production with the mitochondrial electron transport chain is crucial for pancreatic β-cell function and energy metabolism. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase in the β-cell is low, thus glycolysis-derived electrons are transported towards the mitochondrial matrix by a NADH shuttle system, which in turn regenerates cytosolic NAD⁺. Mitochondrial electron transport then produces ATP, the main coupling factor for insulin secretion. Aralar1, a Ca²⁺-sensitive member of the malate–aspartate shuttle expressed in β-cells, has been found to play a significant role in nutrient-stimulated insulin secretion and β-cell function. Increased capacity of Aralar1 enhances the responsiveness of the cell to glucose. Conversely, inhibition of the malate–aspartate shuttle results in impaired glucose metabolism and insulin secretion. Current research investigates potentiating or attenuating activities of various amino acids on insulin secretion, mitochondrial membrane potential and NADH production in Aralar1-overexpressing β-cells. This work may provide evidence for a central role of Aralar1 in the regulation of nutrient metabolism in the β-cells.