Synergistic effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-stimulated insulin secretion and gene transcription in INS-1 cells: characterization and implications.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that is secreted from the enteroendocrine L-cells of the gut in response to nutrient ingestion. GLP-1 enhances both insulin secretion and insulin gene expression in a glucose-dependent manner via activation of its putative G-protein-coupled receptor on pancreatic beta-cells. In the presence of DMSO (0.5-2.5%), these functional responses were enhanced significantly (2- to 2.5-fold) in a concentration-dependent manner in the beta-cell line INS-1, although basal levels were not affected. Rat insulin 1 (rINS1) promoter activity appeared to be augmented in a cAMP-response element (CRE)-dependent manner as the effect of DMSO was abolished following a mutation in the CRE of the rINS1 promoter. Also, expression of a generic cAMP-driven reporter gene was enhanced by 1.5% DMSO in response to GLP-1 (3.5-fold), forskolin (2-fold), and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (2-fold). Analysis of intracellular signaling components revealed that DMSO did not elevate cAMP levels, protein kinase A activity, or phosphorylated levels of CRE-binding protein (CREB), CRE-modulator (CREM), and activating transcription factor-1 (ATF-1). These data suggest that GLP-1 induces insulin gene transcription in a CREB, CREM, and ATF-1-independent manner in beta-cells. The mechanism by which DMSO imparts this amplifying action is unclear but may involve redistribution of intracellular compartments or a direct molecular interaction with a downstream target of the GLP-1 receptor signaling pathway in the beta-cell. These effects of DMSO on incretin action may provide novel applications with respect to further characterizing GLP-1 receptor signaling, identifying incretin-like compounds in screening assays, and as a therapeutic treatment in type 2 diabetes.