L-Leucine (10 mM) treatment impairs endocrine progenitor cell development.
In E13.5 rat pancreatic explants, in absence of added L-Leucine, Ngn3 mRNA levels increased after 1 day of culture, peaked on day 3, and then decreased. When L-Leucine is added, a dramatic decrease is observed in Ngn3 mRNA levels. This decrease in Ngn3 mRNA levels was paralleled by a decrease in the number of Ngn3-expressing cells (4728±408 vs. 959±28; P<0.01). Finally, L-Leucine also caused a dose-dependent repressive effect on the mRNA levels of the three genes, namely Ngn3, its target Insm1, and insulin.
Leucine stimulates protein synthesis in skeletal muscle of neonatal pigs by enhancing mTORC1 activation. L-Leucine increases intracellular HIF-1α levels and activates the HIF-1α signaling pathway, and these two effects are mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway. This process results in Ngn3 repression and, consequently, decreases β-cell differentiation.
L-leucine stimulates mTORC1 by through a mechanism that involves the leucyl tRNA synthase promoting the activity of GTP activating proteins that act on mTORC1.
Medlife has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.