Tyrosine kinase receptors are crucial for normal β-cell development and function

Signaling pathways play critical roles in most physiological and pathological processes and convert an extracellular stimulus into a change of function in the recipient cell. Intracellular messages originate from the activation of membrane receptors by a variety of ligands, such as hormones, nutrients or growth factors. The receptors subsequently interact with specific intracellular cascades, triggering the phosphorylation of cell effectors. In the pancreas, these processes control the organogenesis, maintenance and function of endocrine cells within the islets. Growth factors acting through tyrosine kinase receptors play a prominent role among the multitude of signaling pathways active in pancreatic β cells. Deregulation of these processes leads to the development of disorders such as hypoglycemia or diabetes. This review will describe recent advances made on the understanding of the roles of major tyrosine kinase receptors in pancreatic β-cell physiology.