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Related Concept Videos

Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

Insulin Secretory Vesicles

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Insulin secretory vesicles release insulin to stimulate blood glucose uptake and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. When the blood glucose levels increase, glucose enters the pancreatic β-islet cells through glucose transporters. Once inside, glucose is metabolized through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain, producing ATP. This increase in ATP concentration closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, leading to depolarization of the membrane and the opening of...
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Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

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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.
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Insulin: Biosynthesis, Chemistry, and Preparation01:25

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The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of pancreatic β-cells synthesizes preproinsulin, which consists of a signal peptide, A and B chains, and a C-peptide. Preproinsulin is then cleaved and folded into proinsulin, which translocates to the Golgi apparatus for sorting and packaging into secretory granules. In these granules, enzymatic clipping generates insulin and C-peptide.
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Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose01:16

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Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
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Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

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Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
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Insulin: The Receptor and Signaling Pathways01:28

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Insulin action is mediated through a receptor tyrosine kinase, akin to the IGF-1 receptor. The number of receptors per cell varies significantly, from 40 on erythrocytes to 300,000 on adipocytes and hepatocytes. The insulin receptor consists of linked α/β subunit dimers, forming a heterotetramer glycoprotein with two extracellular α subunits and two β subunits spanning the membrane. The α subunits inhibit the inherent tyrosine kinase activity of the β subunits, but...
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A High-content In Vitro Pancreatic Islet β-cell Replication Discovery Platform
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Insulin-secreting β cells require a post-genomic concept.

Fang-Xu Jiang1, Grant Morahan1

  • 1Fang-Xu Jiang, Islet Cell Development Program, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia.

World Journal of Diabetes
|May 27, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Pancreatic beta cells are crucial for glucose control, but their inconsistent naming hinders diabetes research. This review proposes a post-genomic definition for clarity and future therapeutic development.

Keywords:
Beta cellsConceptInsulinPost-genome

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Pancreatic beta cells are vital for glucose homeostasis, with insulin gene transcription dominating their transcriptome.
  • Diabetes mellitus, caused by beta cell deficiency, is a significant global health issue.
  • Current regenerative therapies using human pluripotent stem cells for diabetes remain unestablished.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the inconsistent and controversial nomenclature of pancreatic beta cells.
  • To propose a post-genomic definition for beta cells to facilitate research.
  • To provide insights into the historical discovery and developmental lineage of beta cells.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical discoveries and developmental biology of pancreatic islets.
  • Analysis of the current challenges in beta cell nomenclature.
  • Proposal of a post-genomic conceptualization of pancreatic beta cells.

Main Results:

  • The historical context of beta cell discovery and islet development contributes to nomenclatural confusion.
  • A lack of standardized in vivo controls exacerbates the naming controversy.
  • A post-genomic perspective is suggested to resolve these issues.

Conclusions:

  • Clarifying beta cell nomenclature is essential for advancing diabetes research and regenerative medicine.
  • A standardized, post-genomic definition will aid in the development of effective diabetes therapies.
  • Further research into the developmental biology and molecular characteristics of beta cells is recommended.