Deoxyhypusine synthase is required for the translational regulation of pancreatic beta cell maturation

As professional secretory cells, beta cells require adaptable mRNA translation to facilitate a rapid synthesis of proteins, including insulin, in response to changing metabolic cues. Specialized mRNA translation programs are essential drivers of cellular development and differentiation. However, in the pancreatic beta cell, the majority of factors identified to promote growth and development function primarily at the level of transcription. Therefore, despite its importance, the regulatory role of mRNA translation in the formation and maintenance of functional beta cells is not well defined. In this study, we have identified a translational regulatory mechanism in the beta cell driven by the specialized mRNA translation factor, eukaryotic initiation factor 5A (eIF5A), which facilitates beta cell maturation. The mRNA translation function of eIF5A is only active when it is post-translationally modified (hypusinated) by the enzyme deoxyhypusine synthase (DHPS). We have discovered that the absence of beta cell DHPS in mice reduces the synthesis of proteins critical to beta cell identity and function at the stage of beta cell maturation, leading to a rapid and reproducible onset of diabetes. Therefore, our work has revealed a gatekeeper of specialized mRNA translation that permits the beta cell, a metabolically responsive secretory cell, to maintain the integrity of protein synthesis necessary during times of induced or increased demand.