β-cell intrinsic dynamics rather than gap junction structure dictates subpopulations in the islet functional network.

ABSTRACT: Diabetes is caused by the inability of electrically coupled, functionally heterogeneous β-cells within the pancreatic islet to provide adequate insulin secretion. Functional networks have been used to represent synchronized oscillatory [Ca²⁺] dynamics and to study β-cell subpopulations, which play an important role in driving islet function. The mechanism by which highly synchronized β-cell subpopulations drive islet function is unclear. We used experimental and computational techniques to investigate the relationship between functional networks, structural (gap junction) networks, and intrinsic β-cell dynamics in slow and fast oscillating islets. Highly synchronized subpopulations in the functional network were differentiated by intrinsic dynamics, including metabolic activity

SUBMITTER: Briggs JK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10803032 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature