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PubMed · 14687913

The islet beta-cell.

Rohit N Kulkarni
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Abstract

The beta-cell is one of four major types of cells present in the islets of Langerhans, which are islands of cells distributed throughout the endocrine pancreas in most mammals. The beta-cell synthesizes and secretes the hormone insulin mainly in response to glucose but also in response to several nutrients, hormones and nervous stimuli. In adult rodents the beta-cell has a slow mitotic rate. Recent studies provide novel insights into the functions of the beta-cell. The presence of functional insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin receptors and components of their signaling pathway indicate an important role for insulin/IGF-1 signaling in the regulation of beta-cell function. Further, the recent discovery of glucokinase (GK) and the ATP-dependent potassium channels on insulin secretory granules, the detection of AMP-protein kinase in the beta-cell and the identification of a new beta-cell transcription factor, mMafA, are some exciting new areas of research currently underway to further understand the complex pathways that regulate the functions of beta-cells.

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AnimalsDiabetes Mellitus, Type 1Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2Genetic TherapyGlucoseInsulinInsulin SecretionInsulin-Like Growth Factor IIslets of LangerhansMiceJournal ArticleResearch Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Review

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Rohit N Kulkarni. 2004. The islet beta-cell.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2003.08.010

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