Phenolic Compounds from Morus nigra Regulate Viability and Apoptosis of Pancreatic β-Cells Possibly via SERCA Activity

Abstract

The ability of phenolic compounds from Morus nigra to modulate sarco-endoplasmic Ca 2+ -ATPase (SERCA1) activity was analyzed. Enzyme activity decrease correlated with the binding energy of agents to SERCA1. Results from theoretical and experimental approaches were coherent in identifying binding sites to SERCA1. Albanol A inhibited SERCA1 by immersion in the luminal gate at the site of Ca 2+ release. Kuwanon U exerted an inhibitory effect by preventing ATP binding in the cytosolic region of SERCA1, and this was associated with conformational alterations. On the basis of similarities of SERCA isoforms, the viability of beta-cells containing SERCA2b was analyzed. Both correlation of viability and negative correlation of SERCA2b expression with SERCA1 activity were found for agents with the highest binding energy to SERCA1. The compounds studied may regulate viability and apoptosis of pancreatic beta-cells via modulation of SERCA activity. Novel pharmacological interventions in diabetes may be realized via compounds restoring ER calcium levels.

Exploring the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antimicrobial Capacity of Phenolics from Blueberries and Sweet Cherries

“…Within the various existing possibilities, the incorporation of phenolic compounds has been largely studied mainly owing to their ability to compete with carbohydrate enzymes substrates by creating bonds, and in this way, preventing the digestion of these compounds [5,68,69]. Additionally, most phenolics can also protect pancreatic β-cells from oxidative damage given their chemical structure [68,70,71].…”