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Review
. 2017 Aug 15;17(10):86.
doi: 10.1007/s11892-017-0925-9.

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

Daniel Pipeleers  1 , Ines De Mesmaeker  2 , Thomas Robert  2 , Freya Van Hulle  2
Affiliations
Review

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

Daniel Pipeleers et al. Curr Diab Rep. .

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. 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.

Keywords: Beta cells; Diabetes; Insulin release; Islet transplantation; Pancreatic islet.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Daniel Pipeleers, Ines De Mesmaeker Ir, Thomas Robert, and Freya Van Hulle declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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