Beta Cells

The beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are the only cells in the body that produce and secrete insulin. This metabolic hormone plays a central role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. This book provides a comprehensive review of the beta cell in health and disease. The book’s primary aim is to encourage investigators to become actively involved in diabetes research and the search for new approaches to prevent and treat diabetes.

The beta cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans are the only cells in the body that produce and secrete insulin. This metabolic hormone plays a central role in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. This book provides a comprehensive review of the beta cell in health and disease. The book’s primary aim is to encourage investigators to become actively involved in diabetes research and the search for new approaches to prevent and treat diabetes.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Series provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic. A volume can focus on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones. A hormone is interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors and others can be reviewed. This volume focuses on the pancreatic beta cell. Expertise of the contributors Coverage of a vast array of subjects In depth current information at the molecular to the clinical levels Three-dimensional structures in color Elaborate signaling pathways

Since the 1970s, there has been much discussion about the “glucoreceptor” and “substrate site” and which of these two is the dominant theory, but new findings on the glucose-sensing receptor have now shed new light on the “glucoreceptor theory.” This volume reviews recent advances concerning the glucose-sensing receptor in pancreatic beta-cells. The history of research into pancreatic beta-cells is long and complex; accordingly, the first chapters present the history of this field and explain the hypothesis of insulin secretion mechanisms: “glucoreceptor theory”. Subsequent chapters examine the function and activity of the glucose-sensing receptor in pancreatic beta-cells, such as identification, channel pathway, receptor signal and physiological role. Readers will gain a thorough understanding of the glucose-sensing receptor and glucose metabolism in pancreatic beta-cells, new insights into the pathophysiology of diabetes, and learn about new targets for the treatment of diabetes.

Molecular Biology of B Cells, Second Edition is a comprehensive reference to how B cells are generated, selected, activated and engaged in antibody production. All of these developmental and stimulatory processes are described in molecular, immunological, and genetic terms to give a clear understanding of complex phenotypes. Molecular Biology of B Cells, Second Edition offers an integrated view of all aspects of B cells to produce a normal immune response as a constant, and the molecular basis of numerous diseases due to B cell abnormality. The new edition continues its success with updated research on microRNAs in B cell development and immunity, new developments in understanding lymphoma biology, and therapeutic targeting of B cells for clinical application. With updated research and continued comprehensive coverage of all aspects of B cell biology, Molecular Biology of B Cells, Second Edition is the definitive resource, vital for researchers across molecular biology, immunology and genetics. Covers signaling mechanisms regulating B cell differentiation Provides information on the development of therapeutics using monoclonal antibodies and clinical application of Ab Contains studies on B cell tumors from various stages of B lymphocytes Offers an integrated view of all aspects of B cells to produce a normal immune response

Diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in prevalence throughout both developed and developing countries. The social and economic burden of this disease is estimated to cost 14 billion dollars worldwide. In the USA alone, 15 million individuals are diabetic, nearly half of them unaware of their condition. Complications of diabetes mellitus are the leading causes for blindness, limb amputation and chronic renal failure and kidney transplantation in industrialized countries. Further, diabetes mellitus per se and the metabolic derangement associated with diabetes are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diabetes, as defined by an elevated fasting blood glucose level is presently subdivided in etiologically distinct groups. The most prevalent being type 2 (adult onset) diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and failure of the ~-cell to supply insulin in amounts sufficient to meet the body's needs. Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes, most commonly with an onset during childhood and adolescence, is caused by an auto-immune destruction of the pancreatic ~-cells. The causations of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes involve a combination of complex genetic traits and environmental influences. A third category are the mature onset diabetes of the young (MODY). This comparatively small group of patients (-10% of diabetes) presents relative early in life «30 years of age) compared to the more common late onset type 2 diabetes.

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.