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Current Diabetes Reports
Published in: Current Diabetes Reports 10/2017

Open Access 01-10-2017 | Immunology, Transplantation, and Regenerative Medicine (L Piemonti and V Sordi, Section Editors)

Heterogeneity in the Beta-Cell Population: a Guided Search Into Its Significance in Pancreas and in Implants

Authors: Daniel Pipeleers, Ines De Mesmaeker, Thomas Robert, Freya Van Hulle

Published in: Current Diabetes Reports | Issue 10/2017

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Intercellular differences in function have since long been noticed in the pancreatic beta-cell population. Heterogeneity in cellular glucose responsiveness is considered of physiological and pathological relevance. The present review updates evidence for the physiologic significance of beta-cell heterogeneity in the pancreas. It also briefly discusses what this role would imply for beta-cell implants in diabetes.

Recent Findings

Over the past 3 years, functionally different beta cells have been related to mechanisms that may underlie their heterogeneity in the pancreas, such as the stage in their life cycle and the degree of their clustering to islets with varying vascularization. Markers were identified for detecting these subpopulations in tissues.

Summary

The existence of a functional heterogeneity in the pancreatic beta-cell population is further supported. Views on its origin and methods for its analysis in pancreas and implants will help guide the search into its significance in beta-cell biology, pathology, and therapy.
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Metadata
Title
Heterogeneity in the Beta-Cell Population: a Guided Search Into Its Significance in Pancreas and in Implants
Authors
Daniel Pipeleers
Ines De Mesmaeker
Thomas Robert
Freya Van Hulle
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Diabetes Reports / Issue 10/2017
Print ISSN: 1534-4827
Electronic ISSN: 1539-0829
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-017-0925-9

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