%0 Journal Article
%T KCNH6 channel promotes insulin exocytosis via interaction with Munc18-1 independent of electrophysiological processes.
%A Wang H
%A Li Q
%A Yuan YC
%A Han XC
%A Cao YT
%A Yang JK
%J Cell Mol Life Sci
%V 81
%N 1
%D 2024 Feb 13
%M 38349432
%F 9.207
%R 10.1007/s00018-024-05134-1
%X Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in pancreatic islet β-cells primarily relies on electrophysiological processes. Previous research highlighted the regulatory role of KCNH6, a member of the Kv channel family, in governing GSIS through its influence on β-cell electrophysiology. In this study, we unveil a novel facet of KCNH6's function concerning insulin granule exocytosis, independent of its conventional electrical role. Young mice with β-cell-specific KCNH6 knockout (βKO) exhibited impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin secretion, a phenomenon not explained by electrophysiological processes alone. Consistently, islets from KCNH6-βKO mice exhibited reduced insulin secretion, conversely, the overexpression of KCNH6 in murine pancreatic islets significantly enhanced insulin release. Moreover, insulin granules lacking KCNH6 demonstrated compromised docking capabilities and a reduced fusion response upon glucose stimulation. Crucially, our investigation unveiled a significant interaction between KCNH6 and the SNARE protein regulator, Munc18-1, a key mediator of insulin granule exocytosis. These findings underscore the critical role of KCNH6 in the regulation of insulin secretion through its interaction with Munc18-1, providing a promising and novel avenue for enhancing our understanding of the Kv channel in diabetes mechanisms.