236 3 Journal of M Fex et al. Mitochondria in β-cells 236:3 R145–R159 Endocrinology REVIEW The pathogenetic role of β-cell mitochondria in type 2 diabetes Malin Fex1, Lisa M Nicholas1, Neelanjan Vishnu1, Anya Medina1, Vladimir V Sharoyko1, David G Nicholls1, Peter Spégel1,2 and Hindrik Mulder1 1Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Unit of Molecular Metabolism, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Clinical Research Center, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden 2Department of Chemistry, Center for Analysis and Synthesis, Lund University, Sweden Correspondence should be addressed to H Mulder:
[email protected] Abstract Mitochondrial metabolism is a major determinant of insulin secretion from pancreatic Key Words β-cells. Type 2 diabetes evolves when β-cells fail to release appropriate amounts f TCA cycle of insulin in response to glucose. This results in hyperglycemia and metabolic f coupling signal dysregulation. Evidence has recently been mounting that mitochondrial dysfunction f oxidative phosphorylation plays an important role in these processes. Monogenic dysfunction of mitochondria is a f mitochondrial transcription rare condition but causes a type 2 diabetes-like syndrome owing to β-cell failure. Here, f genetic variation we describe novel advances in research on mitochondrial dysfunction in the β-cell in type 2 diabetes, with a focus on human studies. Relevant studies in animal and cell models of the disease are described. Transcriptional and translational regulation in mitochondria are particularly emphasized. The role of metabolic enzymes and pathways and their impact on β-cell function in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology are discussed. The role of genetic variation in mitochondrial function leading to type 2 diabetes is highlighted.