Genetic Control of β -Cell Mass Homeostasis

Control of  -cell function and mass is tightly linked to glucose homeostasis. Failing  -cells inevitably lead to diabetes. Recently, several contradictory studies have been published arguing against or in favor of various mechanisms controlling  -cell mass regulation. Here we review the literature on control of adult  -cell mass and aim to reconcile thereby the contradictions. We discuss the role of � -cell proliferation and neogenesis, both in mice and man. We also discuss the influence of genetic predisposition on  -cell mass control. We conclude that  -cell generation in the adult human and mouse likely depends on many paths to assure sufficient numbers of  -cells at any given time, thereby balancing mechanisms for negative regulation of  -cell numbers. A simple model with only one pathway does not fit the current literature.