Protein kinase D deficiency induces a senescence-like phenotype in β-cells and improves glucose and insulin tolerance under high-fat diet conditions.

Abstract

Insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis and preventing type 2 diabetes, a condition closely associated with aging. Although previous studies in mice have shown that both basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion increase with age, the underlying mechanisms remained poorly understood. In this study, we identify protein kinase D (PKD) as a critical regulator of β-cell function during aging through its control of cellular senescence. Using β-cell-specific expression of dominant-negative PKDkd-EGFP and the selective PKD inhibitor CRT0066101, we demonstrate that inhibition of PKD activity in mature adult mice induced a senescent-like β-cell phenotype characterized by enlarged cell size and elevated β-galactosidase activity. These changes were associated with decreased expression of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 and increased levels of reactive oxygen species. Surprisingly, despite promoting a senescent-like phenotype, PKD inhibition significantly improved glucose tolerance, enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, and protected against high-fat diet-induced glucose and insulin intolerance. These findings highlight the importance of PKD in preserving β-cell function under aging and metabolic stress conditions.