Pancreatic islet beta cells (β-cells) synthesize and secrete insulin in response to rising
glucose levels and thus are a prime target in both major forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes …

Introduction 3. Extracellular matrix–collagen I and IV 3.1. Collagen structure and distribution
3.2. Distribution of collagen I and IV in islets 3.3. Collagen-binding integrin receptors 3.4 …

Studies of long-standing type 2 diabetes (T2D) report a deficit in β-cell mass due to
increased apoptosis, whereas neogenesis and replication are unaffected. It is unclear …

Protection and restoration of a functional β-cell mass are fundamental strategies for
prevention and treatment of diabetes. Consequently, knowledge of signals that determine …

Aims The direct effects of thiazolidinediones (TZDs) on pancreatic beta cells have been
controversial. The aim of this study was to find out whether a novel TZD, lobeglitazone, has …

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction, increased cell
death and loss of beta-cell mass despite chronic treatment. Consequently, there has been …

Successful islet transplantation (ITx) is not only dependent on the number of islets, but also
their quality, including viability, metabolic activity, and function. Islet quality decreases during …

Regulation of stem cells is essential for development and adult tissue homoeostasis. The
proper control of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation maintains organ physiology, and …

Epithelial cells contribute to the development of various vital organs by generating tubular
and/or glandular architectures. The fully developed forms of ductal organs depend on …

Given the inherent therapeutic potential of the morphogenetic plasticity of adult human islets,
the identification of factors controlling their cellular differentiation is of interest. The …