Overexpression of metallothionein in pancreatic β-cells reduces streptozotocin-induced DNA damage and diabetes

The release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has been proposed as a cause of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced beta -cell damage. This initiates a destructive cascade, consisting of DNA damage, excess activation of the DNA repair enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and depletion of cellular NAD(+). Metallothionein (MT) is an inducible antioxidant protein that has been shown to protect DNA from chemical damage in several cell types. Therefore, we examined whether overexpression of MT could protect beta -cell DNA and thereby prevent STZ-induced diabetes. Two lines of transgenic mice were produced with up to a 30-fold elevation in beta -cell MT. Cultured islets from control mice and MT transgenic mice were exposed to STZ. MT was found to decrease STZ-induced islet disruption, DNA breakage, and depletion of NAD(+). To assess in vivo protection, transgenic and control mice were injected with STZ. Transgenic mice had significantly reduced hyperglycemia. Ultrastructural examination of islets from STZ-treated mice showed that MT prevented degranulation and cell death. These results demonstrate that MT can reduce diabetes and confirm the DNA damage mechanism of STZ-induced beta -cell death.