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Related Concept Videos

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are co-secreted in...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Forced Transdifferentiation01:28

Forced Transdifferentiation

Transdifferentiation, also known as lineage reprogramming, was first discovered by Selman and Kafatos in 1974 in silkmoths. They observed that the moths’ cuticle-producing cells transformed into salt-producing cells. Many such cases of natural transdifferentiation occur in organisms. In humans, pancreatic alpha cells can become beta cells. In newts, the loss of the eye’s lens causes the pigmented epithelial cells to transdifferentiate into the lens cells.
Artificial transdifferentiation occurs...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

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Related Experiment Video

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Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Pancreatic Beta-Cell Precursors in a 2D Culture System
10:12

Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Pancreatic Beta-Cell Precursors in a 2D Culture System

Published on: December 16, 2021

From genotype to human β cell phenotype and beyond.

Piero Marchetti1, Farooq Syed, Mara Suleiman

  • 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. piero.marchetti@med.unipi.it

Islets
|October 18, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Genetic variations influence type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) primarily through effects on beta cell function. This review explores how T2DM gene polymorphisms impact human islet cells, considering clinical relevance and epigenetics.

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Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Into Pancreatic Beta-Cell Precursors in a 2D Culture System
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08:41

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Published on: June 23, 2023

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Genetics
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex, polygenic condition influenced by genetic and environmental factors.
  • Numerous genes and loci have been linked to T2DM, with many implicated in beta cell dysfunction.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of T2DM is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and discuss the direct effects of polymorphisms in T2DM-associated genes on human islet cell properties.
  • To explore the clinical implications of these genetic variations in T2DM.
  • To examine the role of epigenetic mechanisms in T2DM pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies investigating T2DM-associated gene polymorphisms.
  • Analysis of research on the functional impact of these polymorphisms on human islet cells.
  • Synthesis of information regarding clinical relevance and epigenetic factors.

Main Results:

  • Polymorphisms in T2DM-associated genes significantly alter human islet cell function, particularly beta cell properties.
  • These genetic variations have direct clinical implications for T2DM risk and progression.
  • Epigenetic mechanisms play a role in modulating the effects of T2DM-associated genes.

Conclusions:

  • Genetic polymorphisms in T2DM-associated loci directly impact human islet cell function, contributing to disease pathogenesis.
  • The interplay of genetics, environment, and epigenetics is central to T2DM development.
  • Further research into these mechanisms can inform T2DM prevention and treatment.