Beta Cells: Functions, Pathology & Research

Beta cells or ss-cells, are a type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans. They make up 65-80% of the cells in the islets. Pancreatic B-cell is the only cell type that produces insulin to regulate glucose metabolism in the body. The insufficiency of insulin-producing B-cells results in dysregulation of blood glucose control, termed as type 1 diabetes. This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of Beta-cells, including the induction of pancreatic cancer cell death by elevated concentrations of extracellular zinc; the role of Rab GTPases and their effectors in the insulin secretory pathway of the pancreatic beta cell; In vivo reprogramming of pancreatic A-cells into B-like cells; and the role of glucocortoids, exercise and glucolipotoxicity with regard to stress and pancreatic B-cell function.