The functional importance of the cellular and extracellular composition of the islets of Langerhans

Abstract

The pancreatic islet of Langerhans is a multicellular system that relies on cell–cell interaction and communication for its function. The most abundant cells in the islets are alpha, beta and endothelial cells, all of which have been shown to positively support each other by generating direct cell–cell interactions, extracellular matrix proteins, or through the secretion of soluble factors into the extracellular space. Knowing how these cell types assemble and support each other to improve viability, migration, and function (glucose responsiveness) is important for the aim of re-establishing beta cell mass with a de novo cell source derived from human cells.