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Related Concept Videos

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion01:27

Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion

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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.
Insulin and C-peptide are...
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Insulin Secretory Vesicles01:05

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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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Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells01:23

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After cellular or tissue damage, the resident stem cells present in the human body can locally repair and regenerate the damaged tissue or organ. However, even though some tissues do not have stem cells, they can repair and regenerate with the help of pre-existing cells. For example, beta cells of the pancreas and hepatocytes of the liver can divide to renew and regenerate the tissue. Here, both cell division and cell death are well regulated by homeostasis.
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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.
Damage or functional impairment of β-cells inhibits insulin production, leading to diabetes. Diabetes treatment...
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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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Carbohydrate Metabolism01:36

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Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2025

Transplantation of Pancreatic Islets Into the Kidney Capsule of Diabetic Mice
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Published on: October 31, 2007

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Rescuing β cells.

Amy E Baek1

  • 1Science Signaling, AAAS, Washington, DC 20005, USA.

Science Signaling
|July 25, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Loss of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha causes pancreatic beta cell failure. This protein is crucial for maintaining beta cell function and preventing diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Metabolic Diseases

Background:

  • Pancreatic beta cells are vital for glucose homeostasis.
  • Dysfunction of these cells leads to type 2 diabetes.
  • The role of specific proteins in beta cell function is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha (PITPNA) in pancreatic beta cell function.
  • To determine if PITPNA loss contributes to beta cell failure.

Main Methods:

  • Used genetically modified mouse models lacking PITPNA in beta cells.
  • Assessed beta cell mass, insulin secretion, and glucose tolerance.
  • Examined cellular signaling pathways related to insulin production.

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Last Updated: Jul 21, 2025

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Main Results:

  • Mice lacking PITPNA exhibited significant beta cell loss.
  • Insulin secretion was impaired, leading to hyperglycemia.
  • Key signaling pathways involved in insulin synthesis were disrupted.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphatidylinositol transfer protein alpha is essential for pancreatic beta cell survival and function.
  • Loss of PITPNA is a direct cause of beta cell failure.
  • Targeting PITPNA may offer new therapeutic strategies for diabetes.