Autophagy and the pancreatic beta-cell in human type 2 diabetes.
Pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction is central to the development and worsening of type 2 diabetes. Whereas beta-cell apoptosis plays a major role in reducing beta-cell mass in diabetes, alterations of autophagy can also lead to beta-cell death, as recently demonstrated in type 2 diabetic subjects. In addition, several studies with cell lines and rodent models have shown the importance of autophagy in regulating beta-cell survival and function. Although most of the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated, this growing evidence raises interest in the role of autophagy in beta-cell pathophysiology and suggests the possibility of exploring autophagic processes to develop tools for protection of the pancreatic beta-cell in type 2 diabetes.
Marchetti
Piero
P
Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. marchant@immr.med.unipi.it
Masini
Matilde
M
D001343:Autophagy / Q000502:physiology*; D016923:Cell Death; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology