Lipid Dynamics in Pancreatic β-Cells: Linking Physiology to Diabetes Onset

Significance: Glucose-induced lipid metabolism is essential for preserving functional β-cells, and its disruption is linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D) development. Lipids are an integral part of the cells playing an indispensable role as structural components, energy storage molecules, and signals. Recent Advances: Glucose presence significantly impacts lipid metabolism in β-cells, where fatty acids are primarily synthesized de novo and/or are transported from the bloodstream. This process is regulated by the glycerolipid/free fatty acid cycle, which includes lipogenic and lipolytic reactions producing metabolic coupling factors crucial for insulin secretion. Disrupted lipid metabolism involving oxidative stress and inflammation is a hallmark of T2D. Critical Issues: Lipid metabolism in β-cells is complex involving multiple simultaneous processes. Exact compartmentalization and quantification of lipid metabolism and its intermediates, especially in response to glucose or chronic hyperglycemia, are essential. Current research often uses non-physiological conditions, which may not accurately reflect in vivo situations. Future Directions: Identifying and quantifying individual steps and their signaling, including redox, within the complex fatty acid and lipid metabolic pathways as well as the metabolites formed during acute versus chronic glucose stimulation, will uncover the detailed mechanisms of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. This knowledge is crucial for understanding T2D pathogenesis and identifying pharmacological targets to prevent this disease. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 41, 865-889.