Trim27-deficient mice are susceptible to streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and defects in TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis are associated with various diseases. TRIM27 is a tripartite motif (TRIM) protein containing RING finger, B-box, and coiled-coil domains. We recently reported that TRIM27 positively regulates TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis through deubiquitination of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1). Multiple studies have suggested a link between TNF-alpha pathway and various diseases, such as diabetes and colitis. Here, we report that Trim27-deficient mice were susceptible to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, a mouse model of diabetes. Infiltration of T cells and cleaved caspase-3 signals were enhanced, and beta-cell mass was decreased in Trim27-deficient islets compared to wild-type islets. On the other hand, Trim27-mutation did not affect the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. These data support the idea that the TRIM27 mutation is responsible for the development of certain types of diseases. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies. All rights reserved.