The Effect of Calcium Ions on hIAPP Channel Activity: Possible Implications in T2DM

The calcium ion (Ca(2+)) has been linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), although the role of Ca(2+) in this disorder is the subject of intense investigation. Serum Ca(2+) dyshomeostasis is associated with the development of insulin resistance, reduced insulin sensitivity, and impaired glucose tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms involving Ca(2+) ions in pancreatic β-cell loss and subsequently in T2DM remain poorly understood. Implicated in the decline in β-cell functions are aggregates of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), a small peptide secreted by β-cells that shows a strong tendency to self-aggregate into β-sheet-rich aggregates that evolve toward the formation of amyloid deposits and mature fibrils. The soluble oligomers of hIAPP can permeabilize the cell membrane by interacting with bilayer lipids. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ca(2+) on the ability of the peptide to incorporate and form ion channels in zwitterionic planar lipid membranes (PLMs) composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and on the aggregation process of hIAPP molecules in solution. Our results may help to clarify the link between Ca(2+) ions, hIAPP peptide, and consequently the pathophysiology of T2DM.