Islet-cell-to-cell communication as basis for normal insulin secretion

• Published in: Diabetes, obesity & metabolism obesity & metabolism, 2007-11, Vol.9 (s2), p.118-132
• Main Authors: Bavamian, S, Klee, P, Britan, A, Populaire, C, Caille, D, Cancela, J, Charollais, A, Meda, P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; beta cell; Ca; Ca2; Calcium - metabolism; Cell Communication - physiology; cell coupling; Connexins - physiology; connnexins; Cx36; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 - physiopathology; Gap Junction delta-2 Protein; gap junctions; Gap Junctions - physiology; Humans; Insulin - metabolism; Insulin Secretion; Islets of Langerhans - metabolism; oscillations
• ISSN: 1462-8902; 1463-1326
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-1326.2007.00780.x

The emergence of pancreatic islets has necessitated the development of a signalling system for the intra- and inter-islet coordination of β cells. With evolution, this system has evolved into a complex regulatory network of partially cross-talking pathways, whereby individual cells sense the state of activity of their neighbours and, accordingly, regulate their own level of functioning. A consistent feature of this network in vertebrates is the expression of connexin (Cx)-36-made cell-to-cell channels, which cluster at gap junction domains of the cell membrane, and which adjacent β cells use to share cytoplasmic ions and small metabolites within individual islets. This chapter reviews what is known about Cx36, and the mechanism whereby this β-cell connexin significantly regulates insulin secretion. It further outlines other less established functions of the protein and evaluates its potential relevance for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to diabetes.