Regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression by interleukin-1 beta in pancreatic beta cells.

Apoptosis contributes to immune-mediated pancreatic beta cell destruction in type I diabetes. Exposure of beta cells to interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) causes endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates proapoptotic networks. Here, we show that nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways regulate the expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), which mediates endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. Both CHOP mRNA and protein increase in beta cells treated with IL-1beta. In addition, prolonged exposure to high glucose further increases IL-1beta-triggered CHOP expression. IL-1beta also causes increased expression of C/EBP-beta and a reduction of MafA, NFATc2, and Pdx-1 expression in beta cells. Inhibition of the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways differentially attenuates CHOP expression. Knocking down CHOP by RNA interference protects beta cells from IL-1beta-induced apoptosis. These studies provide direct mechanistic links between cytokine-induced signaling pathways and CHOP-mediated apoptosis of beta cells.