Activation of TRPV4 channel in pancreatic INS-1E beta cells enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion via calcium-dependent mechanisms

Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4) is a Ca²⁺- and Mg²⁺-permeable cation channel that influences oxidative metabolism and insulin sensitivity. The role of TRPV4 in pancreatic beta cells is largely unknown. Here, we characterize the role of TRPV4 in controlling intracellular Ca²⁺ and insulin secretion in INS-1E beta cells. Osmotic, thermal or pharmacological activation of TRPV4 caused a rapid rise of intracellular Ca²⁺ and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. In the presence of the TRPV channel blocker ruthenium red (RuR) or after suppression of TRPV4 protein production, TRPV4 activators failed to increase [Ca²⁺]_i and insulin secretion in INS-1E cells.