Deficiency of Proton-Sensing Ovarian Cancer G Protein-Coupled Receptor 1 Attenuates Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion

Ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) has been shown as a receptor for protons. In the present study, we aimed to know whether OGR1 plays a role in insulin secretion and, if so, the manner in which it does. To this end, we created OGR1-deficient mice and examined insulin secretion activity in vivo and in vitro. OGR1 deficiency reduced insulin secretion induced by glucose administered ip, although it was not associated with glucose intolerance in vivo. Increased insulin sensitivity and reduced plasma glucagon level may explain, in part, the unusual normal glucose tolerance. In vitro islet experiments revealed that glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was dependent on extracellular pH and sensitive to OGR1; insulin secretion at pH 7.4 to 7.0, but not 8.0, was significantly suppressed by OGR1 deficiency and inhibition of Gq/11 proteins. Insulin secretion induced by KCl and tolbutamide was also significantly inhibited, whereas that induced by several insulin secretagogues, including vasopressin, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, and forskolin, was not suppressed by OGR1 deficiency. The inhibition of insulin secretion was associated with the reduction of glucose-induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. In conclusion, the OGR1/Gq/11 protein pathway is activated by extracellular protons existing under the physiological extracellular pH of 7.4 and further stimulated by acidification, resulting in the enhancement of insulin secretion in response to high glucose concentrations and KCl.