β-cells

[Diabetes] To obtain insight into the role of lipid droplets (LD) in human islet β-cell function, the levels of a key LD scaffold protein, perilipin 2, were manipulated by lentiviral-mediated knockdown or overexpression in EndoCβH2-Cre cells, a human cell line with adult islet β-like properties.

[eLife] Researchers utilized mouse islets to determine how microtubules affect secretion toward the vascular extracellular matrix at single cell and subcellular levels.

[Journal of General Physiology] Researchers showed that stepwise increase in extracellular glucose concentration induced electrical activity in β cells of both sexes with similar glucose sensitivity

[Frontiers in Endocrinology] The authors differentiated iPSC from one donor into dendritic cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, and β-cells, and engineered T cell avatars from the same donor to provide an in vitro platform to study genetic influences on critical cellular interactions.

[Translational Research] Researchers demonstrated a direct effect of cholecystokinin to reduce cytokine-mediated apoptosis in a β-cell line and in isolated mouse islets in a receptor-dependent manner.

[Biochemical Pharmacology] Scientists discuss the implications of a heterogenous insulin secretory granules (ISG) population in β-cells and highlight the need for more understanding into how unique ISG populations may be targeted in anti-diabetic therapies.