The pancreatic β-cell in ageing: Implications in age-related diabetes

• Published in: Ageing research reviews 2022-09, Vol.80, p.101674-101674, Article 101674
• Main Authors: Tudurí, Eva, Soriano, Sergi, Almagro, Lucía, Montanya, Eduard, Alonso-Magdalena, Paloma, Nadal, Ángel, Quesada, Ivan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ageing; Diabetes; Insulin secretion; Pancreatic beta-cell function; Pancreatic beta-cell mass; Senescence
• ISSN: 1568-1637; 1872-9649
• DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101674

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) increases with ageing. T2D generally results from progressive impairment of the pancreatic islets to adapt β-cell mass and function in the setting of insulin resistance and increased insulin demand. Several studies have shown an age-related decline in peripheral insulin sensitivity. However, a precise understanding of the pancreatic β-cell response in ageing is still lacking. In this review, we summarize the age-related alterations, adaptations and/or failures of β-cells at the molecular, morphological and functional levels in mouse and human. Age-associated alterations include processes such as β-cell proliferation, apoptosis and cell identity that can influence β-cell mass. Age-related changes also affect β-cell function at distinct steps including electrical activity, Ca2+ signaling and insulin secretion, among others. We will consider the potential impact of these alterations and those mediated by senescence pathways on β-cells and their implications in age-related T2D. Finally, given the great diversity of results in the field of β-cell ageing, we will discuss the sources of this heterogeneity. A better understanding of β-cell biology during ageing, particularly at older ages, will improve our insight into the contribution of β-cells to age-associated T2D and may boost new therapeutic strategies. •Ageing is a risk factor for the development of impaired glucose homeostasis and diabetes.•Age-related alterations in the processes that regulate the pancreatic β-cell mass have been described.•Altered regulation of β-cell insulin secretion and the signaling pathways involved occur with ageing.•Impaired β-cell adaptation during ageing has a key role in the etiology of age-related diabetes.