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Beta cell dysfunction in diabetes: the islet microenvironment as an unusual suspect
Joana Almaça1, Alejandro Caicedo2, Limor Landsman3
1Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10th avenue, Miami, FL, 33136, USA. jalmaca@med.miami.edu.
Diabetologia
|September 7, 2020
Summary
Pancreatic islet cells interact with their complex microenvironment, influencing function and homeostasis. Alterations in this islet niche may contribute to beta cell failure and diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
- Tissue Homeostasis
Background:
- Pancreatic islets contain endocrine, vascular, and immune cells within an extracellular matrix.
- Cellular properties and tissue homeostasis are dictated by microenvironmental interactions.
- Beta cell function is crucial for glucose regulation, but its failure in diabetes is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the interplay between islet cellular and acellular components.
- To explore the role of the islet microenvironment in beta cell physiology and pathophysiology.
- To propose the islet niche as a factor in beta cell failure and diabetes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on pancreatic islet microenvironments.
- Analysis of cellular and acellular interactions within pancreatic islets.
- Synthesis of findings related to beta cell function and dysfunction.
Main Results:
- The pancreatic islet microenvironment comprises diverse cellular and acellular components.
- Interactions within the islet niche significantly influence beta cell properties and function.
- Deleterious changes in the islet niche are proposed as contributors to beta cell failure.
Conclusions:
- Pancreatic islet function is dependent on the integrated contributions of all its components.
- Understanding the islet niche is critical for elucidating the pathophysiology of diabetes.
- Targeting the islet microenvironment may offer new therapeutic strategies for diabetes.
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