How Heterogeneity in Glucokinase and Gap-Junction Coupling Determines the Islet [Ca²⁺] Response.

ABSTRACT: Understanding how cell subpopulations in a tissue impact overall system function is challenging. There is extensive heterogeneity among insulin-secreting β-cells within islets of Langerhans, including their insulin secretory response and gene expression profile, and this heterogeneity can be altered in diabetes. Several studies have identified variations in nutrient sensing between β-cells, including glucokinase (GK) levels, mitochondrial function, or expression of genes important for glucose metabolism. Subpopulations of β-cells with defined electrical properties can disproportionately influence islet-wide free-calcium activity ([Ca²⁺]) and insulin secretion via gap-junction electrical coupling. However, it is poorly understood how subpopulations of β-cells with altered glucose

SUBMITTER: Dwulet JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6895742 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature