Impaired glucose homeostasis in Shb−/− mice

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein B (SHB) is an adapter protein involved in the regulation of beta-cell and endothelial cell function. We have recently obtained the Shb knockout mouse, and consequently, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of Shb deletion upon beta-cell function and blood glucose homeostasis. Shb-/- mice display an elevated basal blood glucose concentration, and this increase is maintained during insulin challenge in insulin sensitivity tests. To assess glucose-induced insulin secretion, pancreata were perfused, and it was observed that Shb-/- first phase insulin secretion was blunted during glucose stimulation. Gene expression of Shb-/- islets shortly after isolation was altered, with increased pancreatic and duodenal homeobox gene-1 (Pdx1) gene expression and reduced expression of Vegf-A. Islet culture normalized Pdx1 gene expression. The microvascular density of the Shb-/- islets was reduced, and islet capillary endothelial cell morphology was changed suggesting an altered microvascular function as a contributing cause to the impaired secretory activity. Capacitance measurements of depolarization-induced exocytosis indicate a direct effect on the exocytotic machinery, in particular a dramatic reduction in readily releasable granules, as responsible for the insulin-secretory defect operating in Shb-/- islets. Shb-/- mice exhibited no alteration of islet volume or beta-cell area. In conclusion, loss of Shb impairs insulin secretion, alters islet microvascular morphology, and increases the basal blood glucose concentration. The impaired insulin secretory response is a plausible underlying cause of the metabolic impairment observed in this mutant mouse.